Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie that tastes like a cup of hot chocolate in dessert form. These Hot Chocolate Cookies are everything you love about wintery drinks—rich chocolate, creamy marshmallows, and that cozy vibe—but in cookie form! These soft, chewy cookies are loaded with melted chocolate, swirled with marshmallows, and sprinkled with cocoa to deliver the ultimate chocolate experience. Trust me, these cookies will melt your heart (and your taste buds) from the very first bite. Get ready for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love Hot Chocolate Cookies

Here’s why these cookies will become your new favorite:

• Irresistibly Chewy: These cookies have the perfect soft, chewy texture. Every bite is melt-in-your-mouth goodness, and they stay fresh for days!
• Loaded with Chocolate: If you love chocolate (who doesn’t, right?), these cookies are packed with rich cocoa flavor and gooey chocolate chunks. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true!
• Perfect for the Holidays: These cookies have that cozy, comforting vibe that makes them perfect for colder months or holiday baking. They’re fun to share at holiday gatherings, and they even make great gifts.
• Marshmallow Surprise: The added marshmallows bring that iconic hot chocolate twist. They add little pockets of sweetness in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: The best part? These cookies are easy to whip up in no time. No chilling required, just mix, scoop, and bake!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these deliciously decadent Hot Chocolate Cookies:

• All-purpose flour: The base for the dough that brings everything together.
• Cocoa powder: For that rich chocolatey flavor that makes these cookies taste just like a cup of hot cocoa.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve the perfect chewy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted butter: For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened before you start!
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough to perfection.
• Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and keeps the cookies extra soft.
• Egg: Brings the dough together and helps create that perfect texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the cookies.
• Hot chocolate mix: This is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their signature hot chocolate flavor!
• Chocolate chips: These add even more gooey, melty chocolate to each cookie.
• Mini marshmallows: For that marshmallow surprise inside the cookies. They’re a fun twist and make each bite extra special.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the ultimate cookie? Let’s dive in:

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside—these dry ingredients will help the dough come together perfectly.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. It’s the step that helps give your cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined. This will help the dough stay together and add flavor.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—this ensures your cookies stay soft and tender.

6. Stir in the Hot Chocolate Mix and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the hot chocolate mix and chocolate chips. This will add an extra boost of chocolate flavor and make the cookies even more indulgent.

7. Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out dough balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press a few mini marshmallows into the center of each dough ball for that marshmallow-filled surprise.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t worry if they look a little underbaked—once they cool, they’ll firm up to the perfect chewy consistency.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin D: 4%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are perfect for:

• Snack Time: Enjoy a warm cookie with a glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa for the ultimate treat.
• Holiday Parties: They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to spread some joy. The marshmallow-filled surprise makes them extra fun to share.
• Gift Giving: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or jar for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
• Cozy Dessert: Serve these cookies alongside a bowl of ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Toppings: Want to take these cookies to the next level? Add a sprinkle of sea salt or drizzle them with melted chocolate after they cool for extra flavor.
• Use Different Chocolate: Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate for a fun twist.
• Make Smaller Cookies: If you prefer mini cookies, you can make them smaller and adjust the baking time by a couple of minutes.
• For Extra Softness: Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them extra soft for days!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A2: Yes! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready!

Q3: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
A3: Yes, you can! Just cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces so they fit inside the dough balls.

Q4: How can I make these cookies more chocolaty?
A4: You can add more cocoa powder or include chopped chocolate chunks in addition to the chocolate chips.

Q5: What’s the best way to store these cookies?
A5: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Q6: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A6: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still taste delicious.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A7: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts would make a wonderful addition to these cookies.

Q8: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A8: If your cookies spread too much, make sure your butter isn’t too soft. Chilling the dough before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.

Q9: Can I use sugar substitutes in this recipe?
A9: Yes, you can try substituting granulated sugar with a sugar alternative. Just note that it may slightly change the texture and taste.

Q10: Can I skip the marshmallows?
A10: While the marshmallows give these cookies their signature twist, you can absolutely leave them out if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious!

Conclusion

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves chocolate and cozy desserts. With their rich cocoa flavor, chewy texture, and hidden marshmallow surprise, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

Print