Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the comforting warmth of your favorite winter drink, this Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is a must-try. These cookies blend the rich, chocolatey goodness of hot cocoa with the delightful chewiness of marshmallows and melty chocolate chips. Each bite feels like a nostalgic hug from your favorite cup of hot chocolate, making them an instant favorite for cold-weather gatherings or whenever you need a little joy in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need simple pantry staples to bring this Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe to life, but each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic cocoa color. From fluffy marshmallow bits to the right blend of cocoa powders, this ingredients list is essential for that hug-in-cookie form.

• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewiness that makes every bite just right.
• 1/2 cup instant hot cocoa mix: Adds concentrated chocolate flavor with a familiar sweetness that screams hot chocolate.
• 3 tablespoons baking cocoa: Boosts deep chocolate richness and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances flavors for that perfect cookie.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get a pleasant texture without puffing too much.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for a soft yet structured cookie.
• 3/4 cup butter, softened: Ensures richness and tenderness in every bite.
• 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetness that perfectly complements the cocoa elements.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moistness and a subtle caramel note for depth.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup vanilla marshmallow bits: Introduces that gooey surprise reminiscent of marshmallows melting in hot chocolate.
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Offers melty chocolate bursts throughout the cookie.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important that the oven is fully heated by the time your dough is ready to go in, so your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect balance of soft-center and slightly crisp edges.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step really sets the stage for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies by incorporating air into the mixture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure an even mix, then blend in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and rich flavor, helping your cookies stay chewy and delicious.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant hot cocoa mix, baking cocoa, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisking ensures these ingredients combine evenly, preventing any unwanted lumps or uneven rising.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mixture into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into your creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat gently and just until everything is combined. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so take it slow and steady.

Step 6: Fold in Marshmallow Bits and Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the vanilla marshmallow bits and semisweet chocolate chips. These add those signature gooey pockets of sweetness and melty chocolate that truly bring the Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe to life.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Sheets and Portion Dough

Grease your baking sheets lightly or line them with parchment paper. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in your preheated oven. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers still look soft — that’s the secret to a perfect chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This finishing step ensures the cookies set properly and don’t become soggy, so every bite stays just right.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few mini marshmallows or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies right before serving. It adds a fresh, wintery flair that complements the marshmallow bits baked inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Their rich chocolate flavor balances wonderfully with creamy or slightly bitter beverages.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies with a layer of marshmallow fluff or chocolate spread between two for a DIY cookie sandwich. You can also serve them warm in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Hot Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. A piece of bread placed in the container helps keep the cookies soft and chewy by maintaining moisture balance.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They hold their texture and flavor for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy this cozy treat anytime.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This melts the chocolate chips beautifully and revives that fresh-baked gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of baking cocoa?

Yes, regular unsweetened cocoa powder works just fine. Baking cocoa is just a brand/type of natural unsweetened cocoa, so you’ll get the same rich chocolate flavor.

What if I don’t have marshmallow bits?

You can chop up mini marshmallows or use regular marshmallows, but you’ll want to fold them in gently and bake quickly to avoid them melting away completely.

Are these cookies chewy or cakey?

This Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is designed to be chewy with soft centers, thanks to the combination of brown sugar, eggs, and careful mixing.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend one-for-one. Make sure your hot cocoa mix and marshmallow bits are gluten-free too!

How do I prevent the marshmallows from browning too much?

Using marshmallow bits instead of whole marshmallows helps prevent excessive browning. Baking at the recommended temperature and time also protects their delicate flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a cookie that wraps you in the nostalgic warmth of hot chocolate, you absolutely have to try this Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe. It’s such a delightful way to enjoy chocolate and marshmallows beyond just a mug, and I promise these will become your go-to comfort treat. Whip up a batch, share with loved ones, and savor the cozy love in every bite!

Print