If you’re looking for a cozy, chocolatey treat to warm your winter days, these Hot Chocolate Cookies are the answer! Imagine the rich flavors of hot cocoa packed into a soft, chewy cookie—complete with gooey marshmallows. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just indulging with a warm drink by the fire.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies
- 🍫 Loaded with chocolate goodness: Melted chocolate and cocoa powder give these cookies their irresistible flavor.
- ☁️ Marshmallow magic: Mini marshmallows bake right into the cookies, mimicking the classic hot cocoa topping.
- ❄️ Winter vibes: A treat that pairs perfectly with frosty evenings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these decadent cookies:
Yield: 24 cookies
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (plus extra for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes. The cookies will be soft and slightly underbaked in the center. Remove from the oven and press a few extra mini marshmallows on top for that hot chocolate look.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Chill the dough: This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Add extra marshmallows: For a picture-perfect cookie, press a few marshmallows on top as soon as they come out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with:
- A mug of hot chocolate for double the cozy factor.
- A glass of cold milk for the perfect dunking experience.
- Use them as a topping for vanilla ice cream—yes, really!
FAQs About Hot Chocolate Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use jumbo marshmallows?
A: Mini marshmallows work best, but you can cut jumbo marshmallows into smaller pieces if needed.
Q: Can I add other toppings?
A: Crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of chocolate would be amazing additions!
Pin This Recipe for Later!
If you’re ready to bake these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies, don’t forget to save this recipe! Click the “Pin It” button below to share with your Pinterest followers and inspire more holiday baking.
Wrap-Up
These Hot Chocolate Cookies bring the essence of your favorite winter drink into a delicious cookie form. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and absolutely irresistible. Try this recipe today, and let us know how they turn out in the comments below!
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