Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a delightful treat that combines rich chocolatey goodness with a gooey surprise, look no further than these delicious Chocolate Rocky Road Cookies. With a harmonious blend of ingredients, these cookies boast a crispy exterior that encases a soft marshmallow center, all enhanced by the crunch of chopped almonds and the sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to please chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 ½ cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup roughly chopped unsalted almonds
12 large marshmallows, halved horizontally
Additional chopped almonds and mini chocolate chips for topping
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Enjoy the process of making and sharing these delightful cookies, and indulge in their unique combination of flavors and textures!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter with the light brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir continuously until fully incorporated for a uniform texture.
4. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps for an even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Almonds
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped almonds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough mixture.
7. Prepare Marshmallow Filling
Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a halved marshmallow, cut side down, onto the center of the dough.
8. Enclose the Marshmallow
Wrap the dough around the marshmallow, ensuring it is completely enclosed. Roll it gently to form a ball shape.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
10. Add Toppings
Sprinkle additional chopped almonds and mini chocolate chips on top of each cookie for added texture and flavor.
11. Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the marshmallow centers appear gooey.
12. Cool Before Serving
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Variations
Feel free to substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate according to your preference.
Nut Options
You can use different nuts like walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a varying flavor profile.
Marshmallow Tips
If the marshmallows are too sticky, dust them lightly with cocoa powder before placing them in the dough to help prevent sticking.
Cook techniques
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Combine melted butter with light brown sugar until smooth for a rich base.
Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs and vanilla to the mixture, stirring until fully blended for optimal flavor.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
Forming the Dough
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all elements are combined.
Adding Mix-Ins
Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped almonds for added texture and flavor in every bite.
Shaping Cookies
Scoop and flatten dough before wrapping it around a marshmallow to create a delicious surprise center.
Baking
Bake until cookies are set and marshmallow centers are ooey-gooey, ensuring a perfect texture.
Cooling
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets briefly before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
FAQ
Can I substitute the unsalted butter with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
What can I use instead of light brown sugar?
You can use granulated sugar or dark brown sugar, although the flavor and texture may change.
Are there any alternatives to eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce as egg substitutes.
How can I adjust the recipe for nut allergies?
Simply omit the chopped almonds and ensure any chocolate chips used are nut-free.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts with these Chocolate Rocky Road Cookies. The soft, gooey centers and the rich flavor make them a perfect treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies
Swap the marshmallows for more chocolate chips for a classic chocolate chip almond cookie that’s rich and nutty.
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Cookies
Incorporate peanut butter into the dough for a delicious twist, pairing the gooey marshmallow with a creamy peanut butter flavor.
Oreo Stuffed Cookies
Stuff the cookie dough with whole Oreo cookies for an extra indulgent treat, combining chocolate and cream-filled goodness.
Caramel Swirled Cookies
Add swirls of caramel sauce into the dough for a sweet and salty chocolate experience that enhances the chewy texture.
Coconut Rocky Road Cookies
Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut along with the almonds for a tropical touch that complements the chocolate flavor perfectly.
Nut Butter Variations
Try using different nut butters, like almond or hazelnut, in the dough for variations that add distinct flavors to your cookie base.
