Here is a warm, simple guide to making Hot Chocolate Cookies. Read each section for clear steps, tips, and answers to common questions.
introduction
These Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, chocolatey, and full of small marshmallows and chocolate chips. They make a cozy treat for cold nights or a quick dessert for friends. If you like simple cookie recipes, you can also try the Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe for a different flavor that is just as easy to make. This introduction will walk you through what you need and how to bake these cookies with clear step-by-step notes.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies
You will love these cookies because they taste like a cup of hot cocoa in cookie form. They have a rich cocoa flavor from the hot cocoa mix, small marshmallows that stay soft and gooey, and chocolate chips for extra melt. The dough is easy to mix, and the bake time is short. These cookies are soft in the middle with edges that set well. They are great for kids, parties, or a comforting treat after a long day. The texture and flavor make them stand out from basic chocolate chip cookies, and they stay moist for several days when stored well.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a quick chocolate cookie with a fun twist. The hot cocoa mix gives the cookies a deeper cocoa taste without needing extra cocoa powder. The mini marshmallows add a playful, cozy feel, and the chocolate chips add pockets of melted chocolate. The dough is forgiving, so it is a good choice for new bakers. You don’t need special tools and the steps are clear and simple. This recipe also uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
What You Need for Hot Chocolate Cookies
You need a few basic tools and pantry items:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon for creaming butter and sugar
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional)
- Wire rack for cooling
Gather all your ingredients before you start. This will help the mixing go smoothly and keep the marshmallows from melting too early.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
The process is simple and follows classic cookie steps: cream, mix dry, combine, fold in add-ins, scoop, and bake. First, cream the butter with both sugars until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and then stir in the vanilla. Next, whisk the dry ingredients together in another bowl to make sure the hot cocoa mix and flour blend well. Add the dry mix to the wet mix slowly and blend until you have a uniform dough. Fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips gently so they stay distributed. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for a short time until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool a few minutes on the sheet to help them hold their shape before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot cocoa mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture until well blended.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Best Ways to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. Warm them for 5-7 seconds in a microwave to soften the chocolate and marshmallows for a gooey bite. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a mug of hot cocoa for a full cozy experience. For a special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to make a cookie sandwich. You can also arrange them on a platter for parties, or wrap a few in clear bags with a ribbon for a simple gift.
How to Store Hot Chocolate Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to stay softer, place a slice of bread in the container; the bread helps keep moisture in. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving. If you freeze cookie dough scoops on a tray, you can bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Easy Tips to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Soften the butter to room temperature before you start. It makes creaming easy and gives a better texture.
- Measure flour properly. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
- Do not overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- If your marshmallows melt into the dough while you mix, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold shape.
- For even baking, make the dough balls the same size. A small cookie scoop helps.
- Use mini marshmallows so they spread through the cookie without making large pockets. If you have only regular marshmallows, cut them into small pieces.
- For a neater top look, press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each dough ball before baking.
Try These Variations of Hot Chocolate Cookies
Change the recipe to match what you like or what you have in the pantry:
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to boost the chocolate flavor.
- Swap some chocolate chips for white chips or peanut butter chips.
- Use different types of hot cocoa mix (dark chocolate or peppermint) for a new taste.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Make a double-chocolate version by substituting some flour with cocoa powder and reducing the hot cocoa mix.
For another fun cookie flavor idea, try the Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe which adds a sweet, cake-like twist.
Common Questions About Hot Chocolate Cookies
Q: Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of hot cocoa mix?
A: Yes. If you use cocoa powder, add sugar to taste. Hot cocoa mix has sugar and milk powder, so you will need to add a small amount of extra sugar and maybe a bit of milk powder if you want the same texture.
Q: Will the marshmallows melt during baking?
A: Mini marshmallows usually soften and may melt a little, but many will stay soft and add texture. To reduce melting, chill the dough before baking or use a slightly lower oven temperature and watch the cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking. You can also freeze dough balls and bake from frozen.
Q: Are these cookies good for kids?
A: Yes, kids love the sweet chocolate and gooey marshmallows. The cookies are soft and easy to eat.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor will stay similar.
Final Thoughts
Hot Chocolate Cookies are a simple, joyful bake you can make any day. They bring the taste of hot cocoa to cookie form with little fuss. The recipe uses common ingredients and gives a warm, comforting cookie that works for any occasion. Follow the steps, use the tips above, and you will have a batch of cookies that please both kids and adults.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the process. These cookies are forgiving and quick to make. Make a batch for family, friends, or yourself and enjoy a small warm treat that tastes like winter comfort in every bite. If you like, try one of the variation ideas to make a new version next time.
Conclusion
For more recipe ideas and variations of hot chocolate cookies, you can find another take on this treat at Hot Chocolate Cookies • Love From The Oven.
Print
Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chocolatey cookies packed with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, emulating the cozy flavors of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot cocoa mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture until well blended.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For softer cookies, add a slice of bread in the container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg