Rocky Road Cookies Recipe

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If you have a soft spot for those perfectly gooey, chocolatey treats that combine crunch, chew, and a touch of marshmallow magic, then you absolutely must try this Rocky Road Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver a delightful blend of rich chocolate, nutty walnuts, and pillowy marshmallows all wrapped up in a tender, pudding-infused dough that stays soft long after baking. The surprise of melting marshmallows hidden inside makes every bite feel like a cozy hug, and I can’t wait for you to make them your new go-to dessert for gatherings or any sweet craving moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Rocky Road Cookies Recipe is incredibly simple to make, relying on a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s the creamy butter that adds richness, pudding mix that keeps the cookies so soft, or the mini marshmallows that are packed inside for that signature gooey center.

• Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, softened: Creaming softened butter creates the perfect base for a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Offers the right amount of sweetness and structure to the dough.
• Brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds moisture and a slight caramel note that deepens the flavor.
• Large egg, 1: Binds all ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s soft lift.
• Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the chocolate and nutty flavors beautifully.
• Unbleached flour, 1 cup: The framework for the cookie, providing structure without heaviness.
• Instant chocolate pudding, 1 (3.9 oz) package: The secret to irresistibly moist and soft cookies every time.
• Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft chew.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Bites of melty chocolate dispersed throughout for that classic rocky road feel.
• Mini marshmallows, 2 cups, divided: Half get mixed in, half are stuffed inside for a luscious, gooey center.
• Chopped walnuts, 1 cup, divided: Adds that satisfying crunch and toasty nuttiness to balance the sweets.

How to Make Rocky Road Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, setting the stage for perfect Rocky Road Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creaming process traps air and leads to a lighter, softer cookie texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract until fully combined. These add moisture and bring all those wonderful flavors to life.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the flour, instant chocolate pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. The pudding is your game-changer here, making these cookies so incredibly soft and tender.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips, Walnuts, and Marshmallows

Carefully fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows. These ingredients signal the start of the iconic Rocky Road mix that makes this cookie so memorable.

Step 6: Shape and Stuff Your Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon scoop or a spoon, form cookie dough balls. Then, pinch a ball in half and place one half on the baking sheet. This is where the fun comes in—you’ll stuff the cookie with three mini marshmallows before sealing it with the remaining dough half to create the irresistible gooey center.

Step 7: Top with Walnuts and Bake

Once all the cookies are stuffed and shaped, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of each dough ball. Bake them for 10 minutes, enough time to melt the marshmallows inside while keeping the cookie edges tender but set.

Step 8: Cool and Final Touches

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 8 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or letting them cool completely on the parchment paper. If some marshmallows spread too much during baking, gently push them back into the center with a spoon while the cookies are still warm. This little trick guarantees that perfect gooey middle in every bite.

How to Serve Rocky Road Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Rocky Road Cookies Recipe for a party or a cozy afternoon treat, try topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Both add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor that complements the rich chocolate and marshmallow interior.

Side Dishes

Serve these indulgent cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Their soft, sweet richness pairs perfectly with the smooth, soothing liquid, making every bite feel like a little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get creative? Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with nuts, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips sprinkled around. Or stack them between layers of parchment paper in a decorative tin as a thoughtful, homemade gift that anyone would love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Rocky Road Cookies fresh for several days by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Their soft texture and gooey centers hold up well, making them an excellent grab-and-go treat.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead for future indulgence, simply freeze the fully baked cookies in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy your Rocky Road Cookies Recipe fresh and melty after storage, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for just a few minutes. Either way, that signature gooey center will come right back to life.

FAQs

Can I substitute different nuts in the Rocky Road Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts add a lovely crunch and flavor, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts if you prefer. Just chop them to a similar size so they blend well in the dough.

Why do you use instant chocolate pudding mix in the dough?

The instant chocolate pudding mix is the secret ingredient that keeps these Rocky Road Cookies incredibly soft and moist. It absorbs some moisture and slows the drying out process without changing the taste.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the unbleached flour for a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Just check that your pudding mix and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for the best results.

What’s the best way to prevent marshmallows from oozing out too much during baking?

Stuffing marshmallows inside the dough and sealing them well before baking helps contain the gooey center. If they do ooze out, don’t worry—just gently push the melted marshmallows back into the cookie center immediately after baking.

Can I add other mix-ins to customize this Rocky Road Cookies Recipe?

Definitely! Some people love adding shredded coconut for extra texture or swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips. The recipe is quite forgiving and accepts creative tweaks fabulously.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that combines nostalgic flavors and irresistible textures, this Rocky Road Cookies Recipe should be at the top of your baking list. It’s a cozy, comforting treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Trust me—once you try these, they’ll be a staple in your kitchen and heart.

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