Hot Cocoa Mug Stack

Featured in: Cozy Cravings

This dessert features layers of rich chocolate cookies combined with a fluffy marshmallow frosting, stacked to imitate a warm mug of cocoa. The cookies are baked soft and slightly chewy, while the frosting adds a creamy, sweet contrast. Finished with mini marshmallows and melted chocolate drizzle, these stacks offer a festive, comforting treat with a touch of whimsy. Optional mini candy cane handles complete the cozy, playful presentation, ideal for sharing or special occasions.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:27:00 GMT
Warm, gooey Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack image featuring chocolate cookies and fluffy marshmallow frosting. Save
Warm, gooey Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack image featuring chocolate cookies and fluffy marshmallow frosting. | butterhollow.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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Add egg and vanilla, beating until combined.
Step 5:
Mix in half the dry ingredients, then the milk, then the rest of the dry ingredients.
Step 6:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto baking sheets, flattening slightly to 2-inch rounds.
Step 7:
Bake for 1012 minutes until set but still soft. Cool completely.
Step 8:
For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Mix in marshmallow crème, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
Step 9:
To assemble, spread a thick layer of frosting on a cookie, top with another cookie. Repeat to form stacks of three cookies each.
Step 10:
Spread frosting on top, sprinkle with mini marshmallows, and drizzle with melted chocolate.
Step 11:
Press a mini candy cane into the side to create a mug handle, if using.
Step 12:
Chill stacks 10 minutes before serving for best results.
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Notes

For a festive touch, use colored sprinkles or crushed peppermint on top. Substitute store-bought chocolate cookies for a shortcut. Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 3 g

Decadent Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack, a towering dessert with mini marshmallows and melted chocolate drizzle. Save
Decadent Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack, a towering dessert with mini marshmallows and melted chocolate drizzle. | butterhollow.com

Kitchen Tips & Answers

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Baking for 10-12 minutes ensures the cookies stay soft yet set. Avoid overbaking and cool them completely before stacking.

Can I make the marshmallow frosting ahead?

Yes, the frosting can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using for best texture.

What is the purpose of the mini candy cane?

The mini candy cane serves as a decorative mug handle, adding a festive touch to the stacked cookies.

Are there any good substitutions for cocoa powder?

Natural unsweetened cocoa powder provides the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used but will slightly alter taste and texture.

How should the cookie stacks be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Chilling before serving helps maintain structure.

Can these stacks be paired with any beverages?

They pair wonderfully with warm drinks like hot cocoa or coffee, enhancing the cozy flavor experience.

Hot Cocoa Mug Stack

Layered chocolate cookies with marshmallow frosting and drizzled chocolate, shaped like a cozy cocoa mug.

Prep duration
30 min
Heat duration
12 min
Complete duration
42 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll 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 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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately two minutes.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Mix wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding half the dry mixture, then milk, followed by the remaining dry ingredients; mix thoroughly each time.

Phase 06

Form cookie rounds: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto baking sheets and flatten lightly to about 2 inches wide.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Prepare frosting: Beat butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, then blend in marshmallow crème, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.

Phase 09

Assemble stacks: Spread a thick layer of frosting on a cookie, top with another cookie, and repeat until each stack comprises three cookies.

Phase 10

Decorate stacks: Apply frosting to the top cookie, sprinkle with mini marshmallows, and drizzle melted chocolate over the stack.

Phase 11

Add mug handles: Optionally, press a mini candy cane into the side of each stack to mimic a mug handle.

Phase 12

Chill before serving: Refrigerate stacks for ten minutes before serving to enhance set and flavor melding.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten, eggs, and dairy.
  • May contain soy due to chocolate chips or marshmallow crème.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 3 g