Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of cozy treats that taste like winter in a bite, these Hot Chocolate Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the rich, creamy, and chocolatey goodness of a steaming mug of hot cocoa, bundled up inside a chewy cookie dotted with gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate. With every mouthful, you get nostalgia and comfort, plus just the right hint of childhood delight—all in one irresistible treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Hot Chocolate Cookies don’t require anything fancy, but every ingredient here pulls its weight for flavor and texture. Each one helps to create those soft, rich cookies that truly taste just like your favorite winter drink.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a perfectly fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth crumb while letting you control the saltiness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a lovely hint of caramel and keeps the cookies chewy and moist.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the moisture and sweetness, resulting in the ideal cookie texture.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together and introduce extra richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, making that chocolatey taste sing.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for the cookies, keeping them thick and soft.
- Hot chocolate mix: The secret weapon for true hot chocolate flavor—don’t skip this for authentic results!
- Natural unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor without adding extra sugar.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a bit of lift for just the right chew.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances those cocoa notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: Pools of melted chocolate in every bite—use bars and chop them for gorgeous, melty pockets.
- Mini marshmallows: Because no hot chocolate cookie would be complete without gooey marshmallow surprises!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Aim for about 2 minutes on medium speed until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step sets you up for cookies with the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your two eggs and pour in that vanilla extract. Mix on low just until combined—don’t overdo it to keep the dough tender.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a consistent cocoa flavor in every bite of your Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix (that can make your cookies tough). Fold in about 1 cup of the chopped chocolate and 1/2 cup of those mini marshmallows—every scoop should look generously loaded!
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out dough balls—about 2 tablespoons each. Gently roll them in your hands for perfectly round cookies, and place them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. If your sheet is large, you’ll be able to fit 6 to 8 cookies at a time.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch the edges for a light brown color—they’re done when the middles still look a tad underbaked. Trust the process! The lingering heat will finish cooking them as they cool.
Step 8: Add More Toppings and Cool
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the tray for about 5 minutes. Push the remaining chopped chocolate and marshmallows gently into the tops of the cookies—they’ll melt right in for extra decadence. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
Garnishes
For showstopping presentation (and flavor), sprinkle warm cookies with extra mini marshmallows, a little drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes these from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Of course, a tall glass of cold milk is classic, but don’t overlook a steaming mug of real hot chocolate for double the coziness. These cookies also pair beautifully with coffee, or get creative and serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for hot-cold contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a festive platter, tuck into treat boxes for gifting, or serve in mugs as a playful nod to their inspiration. For a party trick, create an over-the-top hot chocolate bar and let folks use these cookies for dunking or topping their drinks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Hot Chocolate Cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They stay soft and chewy, and the marshmallows remain marvelously gooey—just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up.
Freezing
If you want to savor these cookies longer, just freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls, then bake from frozen—just add an extra minute or two.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate will get gloriously melty and the marshmallows turn gooey, making every bite feel brand new.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of hot chocolate mix?
While you can use all cocoa powder in a pinch, hot chocolate mix brings a creamy, sweet flavor that makes these Hot Chocolate Cookies distinctive. For the full cozy experience, stick with the mix!
How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting away?
Marshmallows will melt and spread in the oven, but by saving half to press on top after baking, you get perfect gooey spots. Chilling the dough before baking can also help them stay put.
Can I add nuts or white chocolate?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a delicious addition, and white chocolate chips add sweetness and color that complement the hot chocolate flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe easy to double for parties?
Yes, you can definitely double (or even triple) the recipe for a crowd. Just use multiple baking sheets and bake in batches so the cookies don’t overcrowd each other.
Do I need to chill the dough?
These Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out great as written, but if you’d like a slightly thicker cookie or are working in a warm kitchen, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading.
Final Thoughts
Baking up a batch of Hot Chocolate Cookies is like sharing a hug with everyone who tries one. Whether you make them for a winter gathering or just because you’re craving a little comfort, these cookies will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Go ahead—treat yourself and watch the smiles appear!
Print
Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of hot cocoa with the texture of a classic chocolate chip cookie. With gooey marshmallows and chunks of rich chocolate, these cookies are perfect for cozy nights in or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup hot chocolate mix (about 4 packets)
- ¼ cup natural cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (1.5 cups), coarsely chopped, divided
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350F. Line a large half sheet baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla until incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chopped chocolate and marshmallows.
- Form cookie dough: Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are slightly browned.
- Cool and top: Press extra chocolate and marshmallows onto warm cookies, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
- For extra gooey cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Hot Chocolate Cookies, Hot Cocoa Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Marshmallow Cookies
