Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies bring the cozy, comforting flavors of your favorite winter beverage into a soft, chewy treat. Packed with rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and just the right hint of warmth, these cookies are perfect for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a little chocolatey nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are everything you love about hot cocoa—sweet, chocolatey, and loaded with marshmallows—baked into a decadent dessert. The exterior is slightly crisp, while the inside remains delightfully soft and fudgy. Perfect for cookie exchanges, cozy winter baking, or pairing with a glass of milk or cup of cocoa.

• Tastes just like a cup of hot chocolate
• Soft and chewy texture
• Melty chocolate chips and gooey mini marshmallows
• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Hot cocoa mix (with or without marshmallows)
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows gently.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add crushed peppermint for a minty twist.
• Use dark chocolate chunks instead of chips for richer flavor.
• Swap in white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier balance.
• Make them s’mores-style by adding graham cracker pieces.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a spiced hot chocolate vibe.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container.
You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their gooey goodness. If freezing the dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

How do I keep the marshmallows from melting too much?

Add the marshmallows partway through baking or freeze them before mixing into the dough to help retain their shape.

Can I use hot cocoa mix with marshmallows in it?

Yes, you can! The mini marshmallows in the mix add extra gooeyness, but you can still add extra mini marshmallows for best results.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just make sure to chill the dough if it gets too soft when baking in large batches.

What’s the best type of chocolate to use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but dark or milk chocolate chips work too based on your preference.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

This could be due to overly soft butter or not chilling the dough. Make sure your butter is just softened and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check your hot cocoa mix for gluten as well.

What’s the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate mix?

Hot cocoa mix usually contains cocoa powder, sugar, and milk solids, while hot chocolate mix often contains melted chocolate. Either can work for this recipe, but cocoa mix is more common.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.

Are these cookies good for holiday gifts?

Definitely! They package well and stay fresh for several days—perfect for cookie boxes and festive tins.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a comforting treat that captures the essence of a beloved winter drink in every bite. With their rich chocolate base, gooey marshmallows, and endless variations, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal staple—or an anytime favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just because, these cozy cookies won’t disappoint.

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