Hot Chocolate Cookies
If you’re craving a treat that perfectly captures the cozy warmth of your favorite winter drink, these Hot Chocolate Cookies are exactly what you need. Bursting with rich cocoa, a hint of sweetness, and gooey little pockets of toasted marshmallows, this recipe transforms everything you love about a mug of hot chocolate into a delightfully soft and chewy cookie. Every bite feels like a mini celebration of chocolatey comfort, making Hot Chocolate Cookies a must-bake for any time you want to treat yourself or impress friends with a unique twist on the classic cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating the luscious texture and unmistakable flavor of Hot Chocolate Cookies. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the dough, to the hot chocolate mix that gives these cookies their signature taste, every element is essential.
- Unsalted butter (10 Tablespoons): Softened to room temperature, it provides the perfect creamy base for the cookies’ tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds subtle molasses notes and helps keep the cookies moist and chewy.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup, divided): Used partly in the dough and partly for rolling, it balances sweetness and creates a slight crispness on the outside.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and enriches the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, accentuating the chocolate and marshmallow.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure of your cookies, providing the perfect chewiness when combined with the other ingredients.
- Hot chocolate mix (1 ounce packet): This is the secret to that classic hot cocoa flavor woven throughout every bite.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3 Tablespoons): Delivers rich chocolate depth without extra sweetness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and achieve a lovely soft texture with slight cracks on top.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.
- Mini marshmallows (120 total): The magical gooey surprise inside each cookie that makes these Hot Chocolate Cookies truly unforgettable.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cookie Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Having this ready before mixing your dough sets you up for smooth cookie-baking success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and half of the granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer and is key to creating a tender texture. The sugars melt into the butter, creating the perfect sweetness base for our Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and depth to your dough, enhancing the final flavor and binding the ingredients so your cookies hold together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, hot chocolate mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix just until a dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender. This is where the cocoa and hot chocolate mix work their magic, turning a simple cookie dough into a cozy winter flavor bomb.
Step 5: Form the Cookies with Marshmallows Inside
Using a 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 24 even scoops of dough. Roll each one into a ball, then flatten it gently into a disc. Place several inches apart on your prepared cookie sheet. Now comes the fun part: place 5 to 6 mini marshmallows right on top of each disc, then carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallows, pinching the seams closed to seal in that gooey center. Roll the dough balls until smooth, then coat each one in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar for a sweet, crackly finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Hot Chocolate Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops start to crack and you can see bits of marshmallow peeking through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on wire racks for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps the cookies set up just right while keeping the marshmallow centers melty and irresistible.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
Garnishes
To elevate your Hot Chocolate Cookies, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted chocolate right before serving. You can also sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows on top immediately after baking for extra gooeyness that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of milk, peppermint hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy and cold contrasts play wonderfully against the warm, chocolaty cookie for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, stack a few Hot Chocolate Cookies on a pretty plate and garnish with sprigs of fresh mint or edible glitter for a festive touch. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache for an inventive twist that will wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect to enjoy as an anytime snack or a last-minute dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies both before and after baking. For dough, form the balls with marshmallows inside but don’t roll in sugar; freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag to keep their texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen baked cookies, warm them gently in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and allow the marshmallows to puff up again like freshly baked Hot Chocolate Cookies.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of hot chocolate mix?
You can, but hot chocolate mix contains sugar and other flavorings that give Hot Chocolate Cookies their distinctive sweetness and richness. Using only cocoa powder may result in less sweet and more bitter cookies, so consider adding extra sugar if you substitute.
What’s the best way to seal the marshmallows inside?
After placing the mini marshmallows on the dough disc, gently fold the dough edges over and pinch firmly to close the seams. Rolling the sealed dough between your hands makes it smooth and ensures no marshmallow leaks during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, tender, and chewy with a slight crispness on the outside thanks to the sugar coating. The highlight is definitely the melty marshmallow center that adds a gooey surprise in every bite.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Adding a handful of mini or regular chocolate chips to the dough enhances the chocolate richness wonderfully. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients and enjoy an extra burst of chocolate in your Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Final Thoughts
If you love the nostalgic, comforting flavors of a cup of hot cocoa, these Hot Chocolate Cookies are a dream come true. They’re simple to make but deliver a wow-worthy combination of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake up a batch today and share these cozy, gooey treats with your loved ones. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
