Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack

Featured in: Weekend Bright-Brunch Recipes

This indulgent dessert features layers of chocolate cookies stacked with fluffy marshmallow frosting that mimics a warm mug of hot cocoa. The cookies are rich with cocoa powder and perfectly baked to soft, chewy rounds. Each stack includes three cookies generously frosted, sprinkled with mini marshmallows, and drizzled with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. Mini candy canes can be added as mug handles for a festive finish. Chilling the stacks briefly before serving enhances the flavor and texture.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:43:00 GMT
Warm, inviting image: stacked Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie desserts drizzled with melted chocolate and marshmallows. Save on Pinterest
Warm, inviting image: stacked Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie desserts drizzled with melted chocolate and marshmallows. | lemoncairn.com

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

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.

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 10 12 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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| lemoncairn.com

Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs milk (dairy) May contain soy (in chocolate chips or marshmallow crème) Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

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

Rich, decadent Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie stacks: frosted layers with a delightful sprinkle of mini marshmallows. Save on Pinterest
Rich, decadent Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie stacks: frosted layers with a delightful sprinkle of mini marshmallows. | lemoncairn.com

This dessert stacks beautifully to look like a cozy mug of hot cocoa perfect for winter gatherings

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of cocoa powder is best for these cookies?

Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor that balances sweetness and enhances the cookie’s deep cocoa taste.

Can I use store-bought cookies for this dessert?

Yes, using high-quality chocolate cookies can save time and still deliver delicious layers when stacked with marshmallow frosting.

How do I make the marshmallow frosting fluffy?

Beat softened butter well, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and marshmallow crème, mixing until smooth and airy.

What’s the purpose of the mini candy canes?

The candy canes serve as decorative handles, giving the assembled stacks the appearance of a cozy hot cocoa mug.

How long should the cookie stacks chill before serving?

Chill for about 10 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly, which helps the stacks hold their shape when served.

Can I add festive toppings to the stacks?

Absolutely! Colored sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or extra mini marshmallows complement the flavors and add a holiday touch.

Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack

Layers of cocoa-spiced cookies with marshmallow frosting and chocolate drizzle create a cozy treat.

Prep Time
30 min
Time to Cook
12 min
Overall Time
42 min


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free

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 oz) 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 for drizzling
03 8 mini candy canes (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F and 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 softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.

Step 05

Mix dry ingredients and milk: Alternately add half the dry ingredient mixture, milk, then the remaining dry ingredients, blending gently.

Step 06

Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheets and flatten slightly to form 2-inch rounds.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Assemble stacks: Spread a thick layer of frosting on one cookie, top with another cookie, repeating to build stacks of three cookies.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

Step 12

Chill before serving: Refrigerate stacks for 10 minutes to set before serving for optimal taste and presentation.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. May contain soy.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 3 g