Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Introduction

I recently made these Hot Chocolate Cookies for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit. The combination of rich chocolate flavor, the cozy taste of hot cocoa, and gooey marshmallow bits makes these cookies the perfect winter treat. My family loved how soft and chewy they were, with the marshmallow bits adding a delightful surprise in every bite. The hot cocoa mix gives the cookies an extra layer of flavor, and the chocolate chips make them extra indulgent. These cookies were so good that I had to make a second batch to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! They are not only a hit with adults but also loved by kids, making them the perfect treat for any holiday or cozy day at home.

Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are an irresistible combination of rich chocolate flavor, marshmallowy goodness, and the warm, comforting taste of hot cocoa. The dough is soft and chewy, while the chocolate chips provide a rich, melty texture. The addition of Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows) gives each cookie a gooey surprise, making them even more delicious. The cookies are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and fill your home with a wonderful aroma while they bake. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, as an after-school snack, or to enjoy with a hot drink, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of hot cocoa without the mess of a mug!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or ¾ cup hot cocoa mix, not sugar-free)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows are not recommended as they can become sticky)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a standing mixer until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
3. Add Mix-Ins:
   Stir in the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits. The marshmallow bits will give the cookies a chewy, gooey texture, while the chocolate chips add extra richness.
4. Chill the Dough:
   Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. For even better flavor and texture, chill the dough for up to 24 hours.
5. Bake the Cookies:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. The center should still look slightly soft, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
6. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies (approximately)
• Calories per serving: 180
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours)
• Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
• Total Time: 54 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve

• Warm with Hot Chocolate: Pair your cookies with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
• As a Holiday Gift: Package the cookies in a festive tin or box for a homemade holiday gift.
• With Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• At Parties: These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or gatherings. Set them out with other cookies and treats for a festive spread.
• As an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy these cookies with a warm drink like tea, coffee, or hot cider in the afternoon.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
2. Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all the cookies are uniform in size, helping them bake evenly.
3. Adjust baking time: If you prefer softer cookies, take them out of the oven when the center still looks slightly undercooked. If you like firmer cookies, bake for the full 11 minutes.
4. Add more marshmallows: If you love marshmallows, feel free to add extra Mallow Bits or marshmallow fluff into the dough for an extra gooey texture.
5. Make the dough in advance: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, which helps the flavors meld and enhances the texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use mini marshmallows instead of Mallow Bits?
   Mini marshmallows are not recommended, as they can become sticky when baked. Mallow Bits hold their shape better and provide the perfect texture.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
3. Can I substitute the peanut butter with something else?
   If you don’t like peanut butter or have an allergy, you can substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunbutter.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should have lightly browned edges and a soft center. If they’re too soft in the middle, they will firm up as they cool.
5. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
   Yes, you can substitute with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie, but the flavor will be less intense than semi-sweet.
6. Can I make these cookies without a standing mixer?
   Yes, a hand mixer or even a whisk and spoon can be used, but it will take a bit more effort to achieve the same texture.
7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
8. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
   Absolutely! Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips to add variety to the flavor.
9. Can I make these cookies without marshmallows?
   Yes, you can skip the marshmallows if you prefer a more traditional chocolate chip cookie, but the marshmallow bits give them a fun twist.
10. Can I use sugar-free hot cocoa mix?
    It’s not recommended, as the sugar-free mix may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Use regular hot cocoa mix for the best results.

Conclusion

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, chocolatey goodness and marshmallowy texture. They are soft, chewy, and full of flavor with the added delight of Mallow Bits and chocolate chips. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a family treat, or just to enjoy with a warm drink, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Try them out and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of hot chocolate in cookie form!

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