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Introduction

Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies are a fun, indulgent take on the classic red velvet cookie, with a gooey marshmallow twist that elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The soft, chewy red velvet cookie is perfectly complemented by the toasted marshmallow on top, which adds a subtle smokiness and extra sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese tang of the cookie. These cookies are not only visually stunning with their vibrant red color but also create the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone reaching for more.

I love making these cookies around the holidays or any time I want to impress guests with something unique and memorable. The combination of the rich, velvety red cookie base with the crispy, gooey marshmallow topping is a total game-changer. I still remember the first time I made them; my friends were amazed at how the toasted marshmallow added a hint of nostalgia while perfectly complementing the classic red velvet flavor. It’s a simple touch that makes these cookies extra special.

What I love most about these Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies is how they mix the best of both worlds: the warmth and comfort of red velvet and the fun, campfire-like twist of toasted marshmallows. They’re the perfect treat for holiday parties, family gatherings, or when you just need a little something to brighten your day. These cookies are sure to steal the show and leave everyone with a smile!

Perfect for:

Holiday cookie exchanges
A special treat for red velvet lovers
Festive desserts for Christmas or Valentine’s Day
Gifting to friends and family
A sweet indulgence for cozy evenings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies will become your new favorite:

Vibrant Color: The rich red hue of these cookies adds a striking and festive element, perfect for special occasions.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, making every bite a delight.
Toasty Marshmallow Topping: The toasted marshmallow topping adds a delicious contrast of smokiness and sweetness to the soft cookie.
Cream Cheese Flavor: The tangy cream cheese flavor in the dough is a perfect complement to the sweetness of the marshmallow and the richness of the red velvet.
Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in a cute gift box or tin, these cookies make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and marshmallows to create these decadent cookies.
Fun and Festive: The toasted marshmallows on top not only add great flavor but also make these cookies fun to prepare and serve.
Adaptable: You can customize the amount of marshmallows or even add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Quick and Easy: These cookies come together quickly, making them a great choice for last-minute holiday baking.
Impressive Results: Even though they’re simple to make, these cookies look impressive and are sure to wow your friends and family.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 130 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbohydrates: 19g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies:

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

For the Marshmallow Topping:

24 large marshmallows

Ingredient Highlights

Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their iconic red hue, making them perfect for festive occasions.
Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess to the cookie dough, complementing the sweet marshmallows on top.
Marshmallows: The toasted marshmallows are the star topping, adding a gooey and lightly smoky flavor to each cookie.
Buttermilk: Helps create a soft texture and adds a slight tang to the dough, which pairs beautifully with the red velvet flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies:

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the Egg and Cream Cheese: Beat in the egg and softened cream cheese until well combined.
Add Buttermilk, Vanilla, and Food Coloring: Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For best results, refrigerate the dough for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to scoop and shape.

Bake the Cookies:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough, rolling it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Add Marshmallows: While the cookies are still warm, gently press one marshmallow into the center of each cookie.
Toast the Marshmallows: Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and slightly toasted.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for:

Holiday Dessert Tables: These cookies are a showstopper on any holiday dessert spread, adding both color and flavor.
Cookie Exchanges: Share these unique and festive cookies at your holiday cookie exchange for something a little different.
Christmas Parties: Serve these cookies as part of your Christmas party treats, and watch guests rave about them.
Gift Giving: Package these cookies in a cute gift box with a bow for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
With Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm cup of spiced cider for a cozy winter treat.
After Dinner: These cookies are a perfect ending to any holiday meal, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them as a quick snack with coffee or tea for a sweet, comforting break.
For Kids’ Parties: The toasted marshmallows make these cookies fun and appealing to kids, making them perfect for a birthday or holiday party.
On-the-Go: Wrap them individually and take them with you to spread some holiday cheer wherever you go.
Baking with Friends or Family: These cookies are a great project for baking with loved ones, especially when you’re pressing the marshmallows and watching them toast!

Additional Tips

Maximize the success of your Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies with these helpful tips:

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Watch the Marshmallows: Keep an eye on the marshmallows while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
Customize the Topping: You can add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the marshmallows for extra flavor.
Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color that doesn’t affect the consistency of the dough.
Oven Time: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the bake time. Just ensure that the edges are set, and the centers are soft.
Marshmallow Variety: Try using mini marshmallows if you want a more uniform topping on each cookie.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth, evenly mixed dough.
For a Lighter Cookie: You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or they can be frozen for up to a month.
Adding Nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a little extra texture.
Decorative Sprinkles: Add red and white sprinkles over the marshmallows for extra holiday cheer.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 creative variations for Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies:

Chocolate Chip Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
Peanut Butter Twist: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the red velvet.
Nut-Free Option: Omit any nuts for a completely nut-free cookie that’s still delicious.
Minty Version: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the toasted marshmallows for a rich, indulgent treat.
Coconut Flake Topping: Toast the marshmallows with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Brown Sugar Cookies: Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
Mini Cookies: Make smaller, bite-sized versions of these cookies for a fun twist and easier sharing.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy contrast to the red velvet and marshmallows.

Freezing and Storage

Keep your Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies fresh with these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month.
Dough Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to a month. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Special Equipment

To make your Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies, you will need the following equipment:

Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For efficiently creaming the butter and sugar, and ensuring a smooth, well-mixed dough.
Baking Sheets: Provides a flat, even surface for baking the cookies, ensuring uniform heat distribution for perfectly baked treats.
Parchment Paper: Helps prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and a consistent look.
Oven-safe Skillet: For toasting the marshmallows directly on top of the baked cookies, adding a golden-brown, crispy finish.
Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy by letting air circulate around them.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients, ensuring the perfect texture and flavor balance in the dough.
Spatula: Ideal for transferring the cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack without damaging their shape.

FAQ Section

Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows?
Yes, you can spread marshmallow fluff on top of the cookies instead of toasted marshmallows for a slightly different texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I substitute the red food coloring with natural alternatives?
Yes, you can use beet juice or a natural food coloring alternative, although the color may not be as vibrant.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Can I skip the marshmallow topping?
Yes, the cookies are still delicious without the marshmallow topping. You could drizzle melted chocolate instead for a different flair.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, and remove the cookies as soon as the marshmallows are golden.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I use a different flavor for the cookie base?
Yes, you can experiment with other cookie bases like chocolate or vanilla if you prefer.
Do I need to toast the marshmallows in the oven?
You can also toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch if you prefer not to use the oven.

Conclusion

Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies are a perfect blend of festivity, flavor, and fun. The soft, chewy texture of the red velvet cookie, paired with the gooey sweetness of the toasted marshmallow, creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Each bite is a little burst of color and warmth, making them a great addition to any occasion, from cozy gatherings to holiday celebrations.

With their stunning appearance and rich, indulgent taste, these cookies will not only impress your guests but also become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a fun, delicious cookie to enjoy, Toasted Marshmallow Red Velvet Cookies are sure to bring a little holiday cheer and joy to your kitchen.

I can’t wait to see how your cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!

Introduction

Perfect for:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Preparation Time and Cook Time