Mexican Hot Cocoa cookies with marshmallow

With homemade marshmallow 

So this cookie is a combination of two great recipes that I found.  The first is from the Cooking Channel and is there Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, I liked the spice combination from this cookie, but I wasn't a big fan of the chocolate cookie.  I wanted something more brownie-like.  So, that perfect chocolate cookie/brownie recipe came from Stepable and their Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows .  These are the perfect cookies, sweet and warm, with a crisp outside and a marshmallow on top.  Now, I'm super crazy sometimes and I made homemade marshmallow to put on top.  I even thought about making homemade cinnamon flavored marshmallows to highlight the cinnamon flavor inside the cookie, but I decided to make it a simple vanilla marshmallow creme and then sprinkle the finished product with some cinnamon (like a cup of cocoa).  The recipe for homemade marshmallow can be found here, from the Bright-Eyed Baker .  It is really easy: sugar, corn syrup, water, a pot, mixer, egg whites, candy thermometer, cream of tarter and salt, and boom, you're ready for the best marshmallow fluff of your life.
     You can always adjust the amount of spice in your cookie.  The recipe I'm posting definitely has a kick.  As you eat the cookie, you get the cinnamon and chocolate, followed by a hint of spice and the creamy and sweet vanilla marshmallow.  They a delicious and decadent treat, perfect for the holiday season.  If you don't want to make your own marshmallow since it does take extra time, requires a stand mixer, or great coordination, then use store bought marshmallows cut in half.  It will taste the same and no one will be any wiser.  But, you need to take these to a cookie swap, holiday party or even into work.  You will be the hit of the party!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
12 ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips

With homemade marshmallow

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2.5 teaspoons of cinnamon
scant 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper *
2 teaspoons chili powder *

*If your chili powder is REALLY spicy, make sure to adjust accordingly.  I use a store brand chili that is much milder.

Directions:
1.  In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter and the 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips. Stir constantly until just melted. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to slightly cool.
2.  In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until just blended. Beat in the cooled chocolate mixture just until combined.
3.  Add the cocoa powder, flour, spices, baking powder and salt. Mix on low speed just until combined. Cover bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop and drop the cookie dough by the tablespoon, onto the prepared cookie sheets. You should fit 12 cookies per sheet, and making sure to space them at least 2 inches apart.
5.  Bake cookies for 12 minutes. Remove cookies from oven.  If you're using store bought marshmallows, place the marshmallow half on top and put back in the oven until the marshmallow begins to melt, about 4 minutes.  KEEP AN EYE ON THIS because your marshmallow will burn in a blink.  Remove the cookies and let them cool on the tray for 4 minutes.
      If you're making your own marshmallow creme, then remove the cookies after the 12 minutes and let them cook on the cookie sheet for 4 minutes.  Remove them to a rack and let the cookies cool completely, then pipe or frost the homemade marshmallow on the top of the cookie.  If you want a toasted flavor you can place the cookies under the broiler for less than a minute or until the marshmallow becomes light brown for a toasted flavor.  MAKE SURE YOU WATCH THEM CONSTANTLY if you do this because they will burn quickly!

Let cool a bit and serve.

Cookies made by my best friend Tree, using this recipe and regular, store-bought marshmallows