As fireplace embers glow in the Cocoa Lodge and jack-o’-lanterns appear beside snowmen in whimsical seasonal confusion, elves across the Pole are embracing the ultimate comfort cookie for chilly autumn evenings: the ooey-gooey, heartwarming Marshmallow Meltaways.
Cookie #8 in our countdown to Christmas is a pillowy chocolate cookie stuffed with a toasted marshmallow center, finished with a drizzle of peppermint glaze. Warm from the oven, they melt in your mouth—and just a little on your mittens.
🔥 Cookie Spotlight: Marshmallow Meltaways
Backstory:
Legend has it that the original Meltaways were invented by Emberly Glowtoast, an elf known for her role as the official bonfire coordinator during the annual North Pole Harvest Festival. She wanted a treat that tasted like a cup of cocoa by the fire. What resulted was this marshmallow-filled marvel now adored by elves and reindeer alike.
🧝♀️ Elf Commentary (Cinnamon Crankwhistle): “We keep a stash of Meltaways in the wrapping department just to survive ribbon rush season!”
📝 Recipe: Marshmallow Meltaways
Yields: ~20 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 9–11 minutes
🍫 Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 20 mini marshmallows or halved large marshmallows
- Optional: ½ cup crushed peppermint for topping
🥣 Instructions:
- Cream & Whisk: In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars together. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine & Chill: Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until smooth. Chill dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Form & Fill: Scoop dough and flatten into small discs. Place a marshmallow in the center of each and wrap dough around it to seal.
- Bake & Cool: Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes. Let cool slightly before moving.
- Glaze (Optional): Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk and a drop of peppermint extract. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
✨ Elf Tip:
Add a dash of cinnamon to the cocoa powder for a spicy twist! These are best enjoyed warm, with cocoa or caramel cider.
👀 Coming Soon:
Next up in our delicious countdown—brace yourselves for nutty nostalgia—Cookie #9 is the Nutcracker Crunch Bites!
