Decadent Mrs. Fields Marshmallow Clouds: The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Cookie Recipe

There’s something truly special about recipes that carry a strong sense of nostalgia, transporting you back to cherished family moments. For me, this incredible “Marshmallow Clouds” cookie recipe does exactly that. I vividly remember my older brother, Shawn, making these very cookies for our family when we were growing up. Shawn, who is three years my senior, went through an intense baking phase during his teenage years. He wasn’t content with simple recipes; he always aimed for the most elaborate, or at the very least, delightfully *different* creations. Each baking session concluded with him meticulously photographing his culinary masterpieces. I often wonder what became of all those pictures – they must hold a treasure trove of sweet memories!

Fast forward to today, and life has taken us both on different paths. Shawn is now in medical school, having just tackled his board exams this week – go, Shawn! And in a delightful twist of fate, it’s now me who finds immense joy in experimenting with crazy new recipes and capturing their deliciousness through photographs. It’s funny how things come full circle, isn’t it?

Why These Marshmallow Clouds Are Truly the Best

This particular recipe hails from the renowned ‘Mrs. Fields Best Ever Cookie Book,’ and I can personally attest that it absolutely lives up to its name. If you’re searching for the ultimate cookie cookbook, look no further – Mrs. Fields truly knows her craft. These Marshmallow Clouds are a testament to her expertise, offering a sublime combination of rich, deep chocolate flavor and a delightfully gooey marshmallow center that simply melts in your mouth.

The experience of making these cookies is incredibly rewarding, and they’re especially fun to prepare if you have little helpers in the kitchen. Kids absolutely adore getting involved in the process, especially when it comes to shaping the cookie dough around the frozen marshmallows. It’s an activity that creates not just delicious treats, but also cherished memories. The end result is a decadent, moist chocolate cookie with a surprise burst of warm, stretchy marshmallow inside – a truly irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for more!

The Irresistible Marshmallow Clouds Recipe

Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen with this tried-and-true recipe for Marshmallow Clouds. The secret to their incredible texture and flavor lies in quality ingredients and a few simple, yet crucial, techniques. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundational dry ingredient for structure.
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that rich, deep chocolate flavor.
1/2 tsp. baking soda: A leavening agent to help the cookies rise slightly and achieve a tender crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and to contribute to the cookie’s texture.
1 cup (packed) light brown sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note to the cookies.
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened: Essential for richness and flavor. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture, contributing to the cookie’s structure.
2 tsp. vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the chocolate.
12 ounces mini semisweet chocolate chips: For extra chocolatey goodness throughout the dough.
8 ounces mini marshmallows, frozen: This is the star ingredient for the gooey center! Freezing them is crucial for easier handling and ensures they don’t melt too quickly during baking.

Directions:

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Marshmallow Clouds turn out perfectly gooey and delicious!

Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to a precise 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Before you even think about assembling these delightful cookies, ensure your mini marshmallows remain tucked away in the freezer. This is a critical step! Frozen marshmallows are significantly easier to work with, allowing you to encase them fully in the dough without them melting prematurely. This also ensures they retain their shape long enough to create that perfect gooey pocket in the finished cookie.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream Wet Ingredients for Perfection: In a large mixing bowl, combine both the granulated sugar and the packed light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer), begin blending in the softened salted butter. Continue mixing until the butter and sugars are light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is fully incorporated. This creaming process is vital for the cookie’s texture. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, beating at medium speed until the mixture is beautifully light and fluffy.
Integrate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix at a low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips. The resulting cookie batter will be quite stiff and thick, which is exactly what you want for encasing those marshmallows. This dense consistency helps hold everything together during baking.

The Marshmallow Core: This is where the “cloud” magic happens! Retrieve your frozen mini marshmallows from the freezer. Gather about 4 or 5 frozen marshmallows in the palm of your hand. Take a heaping tablespoon of the stiff cookie dough and carefully wrap it around the cluster of marshmallows, completely encasing them. Your goal is to form a smooth, approximately 2-inch-diameter dough ball with the marshmallows hidden securely inside. Make sure there are no gaps where the marshmallows might escape during baking. This step is a fantastic opportunity to involve kids – they love the hands-on fun of shaping the cookie balls!

Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the formed cookie balls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Ensure you space them about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading during baking. Overcrowding the sheets can lead to uneven baking and cookies sticking together.

Bake to Perfection and Cool: Transfer the cookie sheets to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set, but the centers may still look slightly soft – this is perfect for a chewy cookie. Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up without breaking. After 2 minutes, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack or a cool, flat surface to complete the cooling process. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring a perfectly tender cookie.

The Joy of Baking with Little Helpers

One of the most delightful aspects of baking these Marshmallow Clouds is the opportunity to share the experience with family. As seen here, my little helper absolutely loves getting involved – especially when it comes to the best part: licking the mixer clean! Baking together creates wonderful memories, fosters a love for cooking, and teaches valuable skills in a fun, interactive way. The smiles, the flour-dusted noses, and the anticipation of warm cookies fresh from the oven are moments I truly treasure.

Tips for Marshmallow Cloud Perfection

Don’t Skip the Freeze: Seriously, the frozen marshmallows are key. They prevent the marshmallows from dissolving into the dough during mixing and give you that perfect gooey center.
Soften Your Butter Properly: Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating an airy base for your cookies. Too cold, and it won’t mix properly; too warm, and your cookies might spread too much.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Especially with flour and cocoa powder, using proper measuring techniques (like the spoon and level method for flour) ensures the right consistency.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
Ensure a Tight Seal: When encasing the marshmallows, make sure the dough fully surrounds them with no gaps. This prevents the marshmallow from oozing out excessively during baking.
Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and gooey centers.

These Marshmallow Clouds are serious deliciousness right here! They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy evening at home to a festive gathering. The combination of rich chocolate and a warm, gooey marshmallow surprise is simply irresistible and guaranteed to bring smiles to faces of all ages. If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that stands out from the crowd and delivers on both flavor and fun, this is it.

Connect With Me for More Delicious Recipes!

If you’ve loved this Marshmallow Clouds recipe and are eager to discover more delectable treats and healthy eats, make sure to PIN it for later! Don’t forget to follow me on the right-hand side (via GFC or other subscription options) to stay updated on what I’ll be cooking up next. I’m always experimenting with new flavors and classic favorites, and I can’t wait to share them with you. You can also find me active on PINTEREST, where I share recipe ideas, cooking tips, and food inspiration daily. For even more deliciousness and community interaction, come join me on FACEBOOK! Your support and engagement mean the world to me. Thanks for stopping by, and happy baking!