Looking for the perfect winter treat to warm you up on chilly days? Hot chocolate cookies are a delicious twist on the classic cup of cocoa, combining rich chocolate flavor with gooey marshmallows in a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies capture all the comforting elements of a warm hot chocolate, making them a great addition to holiday gatherings, cozy nights at home, or festive cookie swaps.
With their soft texture and melty marshmallow centers, hot chocolate cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. They’re easy to make and even easier to customize with your favorite add-ins and toppings.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for hot chocolate cookies, along with baking tips, creative variations, and answers to common questions to ensure you achieve the perfect batch every time. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Hot Chocolate Cookies
Before you start making hot chocolate cookies, gather all the necessary ingredients. These cookies come together quickly with simple pantry staples and a few fun add-ins to create that classic hot cocoa flavour in cookie form.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavour.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise evenly and stay soft.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness while enhancing the chocolate flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness and creates a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slightly crispy edge.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a chewy texture.
- Eggs: Help bind the dough and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the cookies’ overall flavor.
Add-Ins
- Hot cocoa mix: For that signature hot chocolate flavour.
- Chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips.
- Mini marshmallows: Add gooey, melty goodness to every bite.
Optional Toppings
- Marshmallow fluff: Spread on top for a soft, sticky layer.
- Crushed peppermint: Adds a festive, minty twist.
- Drizzle of melted chocolate: For extra indulgence.
Pro Tip
Use unsalted butter to control the salt level and high-quality cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavour that makes these cookies irresistible.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create soft, chewy hot chocolate cookies with gooey marshmallow centres. This easy recipe will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of chocolate and spices, perfect for a cosy treat.
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt) in a separate bowl.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.
Add the Hot Chocolate Elements
- Gently fold in the hot cocoa mix to enhance the chocolate flavour.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Bake
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls, placing them on the baking sheet with space between each.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centres look slightly underbaked.
Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.
- Once cooled, serve the cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or your favourite warm beverage.
Pro Tip
Add a few mini marshmallows on top of the cookies halfway through baking for extra gooey marshmallows. This creates a melty marshmallow topping that adds both flavour and visual appeal.
Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies
Making the perfect hot chocolate cookies is all about getting the right texture and balance of flavours. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve soft, chewy cookies with gooey marshmallows every time.
Achieving the Right Texture
- For soft and chewy cookies, avoid overbaking.
- The centres should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool, giving you a perfectly chewy cookie.
Preventing Marshmallow Melt
- Place them inside the dough rather than on top to avoid the marshmallows melting and spreading too much.
- This helps keep the marshmallows gooey and prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.
Customizing Sweetness
- Reduce the sugar in the recipe for a less sweet cookie, or use dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavour.
- If you love a sweeter cookie, add milk chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
Pro Tip
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Chilling also enhances the flavour, making the cookies taste even better.
Creative Variations for Hot Chocolate Cookies
Try these creative variations to elevate your hot chocolate cookies. Whether you want a festive twist or a spicy kick, there’s a version for everyone to enjoy!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Add crushed peppermint candies or a splash of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing, festive twist.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie swaps.
Double Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
- For an extra chocolaty experience, use a combination of milk chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips.
- The mix of chocolates creates a rich, indulgent cookie that chocolate lovers will adore.
Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and cinnamon to the dough for a spicy kick inspired by Mexican hot chocolate.
- The subtle heat and rich chocolate flavour make for a unique and delicious variation.
Gluten-Free Version
- Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Ensure all other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also certified gluten-free.
Pro Tip
After baking, drizzle melted white chocolate on top of the cookies for a bakery-style finish. This adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of sweetness.
FAQs and Storage Tips for Hot Chocolate Cookies
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about making and storing hot chocolate cookies and tips to keep them fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot cocoa mix in this recipe?
Yes, you can! However, for the best flavor, choose a hot cocoa mix with a rich cocoa content. Avoid using mixes with too many added ingredients, like marshmallows or flavored sweeteners, as they can affect the texture of the cookies.
How do I store hot chocolate cookies?
To maintain their softness and flavor, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze pre-scooped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
- Freeze-baked cookies for more extended storage. To enjoy later, reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Pro Tip
Place a slice of bread inside the container with the cookies. The bread helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies soft and chewy for longer. For best results, replace the bread slice every couple of days.
Conclusion
Making hot chocolate cookies at home is a fun and delicious way to bring the cozy flavors of winter into your kitchen. These cookies are rich, chocolaty, and perfectly chewy, with gooey marshmallows that taste like hot cocoa. Whether baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy recipe will surely be a hit.
If you’re a cookie lover, don’t forget to check out our Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe for another classic treat that’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with creative variations or add your favorite toppings to make them your own. From peppermint twists to double chocolate goodness, there’s a version for every taste.
We’d love to hear from you! Try the recipe and share your creations, tips, or questions in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your cookie masterpieces—we can’t wait to see what you bake!
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ 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
Add-Ins
- ½ cup hot cocoa mix
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup mini marshmallows
Optional Toppings
- Marshmallow fluff
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add the Hot Chocolate Elements
- Hot Cocoa Mix: Fold in the hot cocoa mix to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows: Stir in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
Scoop and Bake
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Cool and Serve
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite warm beverage.
