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If your favorite part of winter is wrapping your hands around a mug of hot cocoa, you’re going to love these Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies! They’re rich, chewy, and topped with gooey marshmallows — like a cup of cocoa in cookie form.
I made these on a snowy night when I wanted something sweet without turning on the oven. They came out soft and chocolatey with just the right hint of cocoa and a toasty marshmallow top. They seriously taste like warm, fudgy brownies with a marshmallow hug.
The best part? These cookies bake up in about 6 minutes in the air fryer. No long preheat, no fuss. Just mix, scoop, and get cozy. You can even add crushed peppermint or drizzle chocolate on top if you’re feeling extra festive.
So grab your cocoa powder and marshmallows — we’re making the ultimate winter cookie!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
- All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure. Spoon and level to measure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – The chocolate base. Use Dutch-process for extra richness.
- Baking soda + salt – Helps the cookies rise and balances flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Softened for creaming. Room temp is key.
- Brown sugar + granulated sugar – For chewy texture and caramelized edges.
- Egg – Binds the dough and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract – For warmth and depth.
- Mini marshmallows – The gooey topping that makes it hot cocoa!
Optional Add-ins: Chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, white chocolate drizzle.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the dough: Cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar until fluffy. Mix in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Combine wet and dry until dough forms.
- Scoop and chill: Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and chill for 20 minutes. This helps keep them from spreading too much.
- Preheat & load: Preheat air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Line basket with parchment and place dough balls with space between.Pro Tip: Slightly flatten dough balls to help them spread evenly.
- Air fry: Bake for 6–7 minutes until set but still soft.
- Add marshmallows: Quickly press 2–3 mini marshmallows into each cookie and air fry for 1 more minute until marshmallows puff.
- Cool & decorate: Let cookies cool 5 minutes before moving. Optional: drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chill – Warm dough spreads too much.
- Adding marshmallows too early – They’ll melt too far and disappear.
- Overbaking – These cookies are best a little soft in the center.
- Using too much dough – They’ll puff too tall and not cook through.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Peppermint hot cocoa: Add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Double chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks.
- White cocoa: Use white chocolate chips + mini marshmallows.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- S’mores-style: Add graham cracker crumbs to the dough.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
Make the dough and chill for up to 3 days in advance. You can also scoop and freeze dough balls for up to 2 months.
Store baked cookies at room temp in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Marshmallows will soften over time but stay tasty!
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
About 135 calories per cookie (based on 18 cookies).
Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine with wet.
- Scoop dough balls and chill 20 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F. Line basket with parchment.
- Air fry 6–7 minutes. Press in marshmallows.
- Air fry 1 more minute. Cool and decorate if desired.
Notes
An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.
These hot cocoa cookies are a cozy cookie dream! Soft, chocolatey, and topped with gooey marshmallows, they bring serious holiday comfort. Perfect for a winter night, cookie exchange, or just a sweet treat by the fire. Let me know if you make them — and tag me in your cookie creations! Want more cozy bakes? Try my air fryer s’mores cookie cups next!
