Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Featured in: Cozy Winter Bakes

This indulgent treat features soft cocoa cookies layered with a fluffy marshmallow frosting, stacked to form charming mini towers. Each bite balances chocolate richness with creamy sweetness, enhanced by melted chocolate drizzle and optional candy cane handles for a festive touch. Perfect to chill briefly before serving, these stacks offer a playful take on comforting winter flavors, ideal for sharing or cozy moments.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:22:00 GMT
Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack: a delightful dessert with fluffy marshmallow frosting and chocolate cookie layers. Save to Pinterest
Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack: a delightful dessert with fluffy marshmallow frosting and chocolate cookie layers. | frostkettle.com

A playful, decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate cookies and fluffy marshmallow frosting, stacked to resemble a cozy mug of hot cocoa.

Ingredients

  • Cookies: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all purpose flour, 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp milk
  • Marshmallow Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted, 1 jar (7 oz/200 g) marshmallow crème, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
  • Decorations: 1/2 cup (85 g) mini marshmallows, 1/4 cup (40 g) chocolate chips melted (for drizzling), 8 mini candy canes (optional for mug handles)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugars:
In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add egg and vanilla:
Add egg and vanilla, beating until combined.
Combine ingredients:
Mix in half the dry ingredients, then the milk, then the rest of the dry ingredients.
Shape cookies:
Scoop tablespoon sized balls onto baking sheets, flattening slightly to 2 inch rounds.
Bake:
Bake for 1012 minutes until set but still soft. Cool completely.
Prepare frosting:
For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Mix in marshmallow crème, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
Assemble stacks:
To assemble, spread a thick layer of frosting on a cookie, top with another cookie. Repeat to form stacks of three cookies each.
Decorate:
Spread frosting on top, sprinkle with mini marshmallows, and drizzle with melted chocolate.
Add handles:
Press a mini candy cane into the side to create a mug handle, if using.
Chill:
Chill stacks 10 minutes before serving for best results.
Indulge in a homemade Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack; a delicious stack of cookies, frosting, and marshmallows. Save to Pinterest
Indulge in a homemade Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack; a delicious stack of cookies, frosting, and marshmallows. | frostkettle.com

Imagine a festive, towering Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack: chocolatey cookies layered high with soft frosting. Save to Pinterest
Imagine a festive, towering Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack: chocolatey cookies layered high with soft frosting. | frostkettle.com

Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What makes the cookie layers soft yet sturdy?

The cookie dough combines cocoa powder and baking soda to yield a tender texture that holds its shape well after baking.

How is the marshmallow frosting prepared?

Butter is creamed before gradually mixing in powdered sugar and marshmallow crème, creating a fluffy, smooth frosting.

Can candy canes be omitted?

Yes, candy canes are optional decorations that add a festive handle look but can be skipped without affecting flavor.

What is the best way to assemble the stacks?

Spread a thick layer of frosting between each cookie, stacking three high, then frost the top and decorate with mini marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.

How long should the stacks chill before serving?

Chilling for about 10 minutes helps the frosting set and ensures the stacks hold together for serving.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Rich cocoa cookies layered with marshmallow frosting, decorated to resemble a cozy warm drink.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Overall Time
42 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Serving Size

Dietary Information Meatless

What You Need

Cookies

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 1/4 cup brown sugar
08 1 large egg
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 2 tablespoons milk

Marshmallow Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow crème
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Decorations

01 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
02 1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted
03 8 mini candy canes (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 03

Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about two minutes.

Step 04

Add wet ingredients: Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until fully combined.

Step 05

Mix dough: Alternately add half the dry ingredients, milk, then the remaining dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 06

Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto baking sheets, flatten gently to approximately 2 inches in diameter.

Step 07

Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until set but still soft. Allow cookies to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually blend in powdered sugar. Add marshmallow crème, vanilla, and salt, mixing until fluffy.

Step 09

Assemble stacks: Spread a thick layer of frosting on one cookie, top with a second cookie, and repeat to form stacks of three cookies.

Step 10

Decorate stacks: Spread frosting on the top cookie, sprinkle mini marshmallows, and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Step 11

Add candy cane handles: Press a mini candy cane into the side of each stack to resemble a mug handle, if desired.

Step 12

Chill before serving: Refrigerate stacks for ten minutes before serving to set frosting and improve texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Offset spatula or knife

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy).
  • May contain soy in chocolate chips or marshmallow crème.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 410
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 3 g