Check out the ultimate winter treat with these hot chocolate cookies. Each bite is a cozy delight, with hot cocoa flavored cookies that are rich and comforting. Topped with a luscious hot cocoa glaze, these cookies take on an extra layer of decadence. And to add a touch of whimsy, mini marshmallows are sprinkled on top, creating a delightful contrast of textures. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland, savoring the familiar flavors of a steaming cup of hot cocoa in a delightful cookie form. Perfect for the holiday season!
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.
Why You’ll Love These Gooey Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Perfect for the winter season: These cookies are perfect for cozying up by the fireplace on a chilly winter night. The hot cocoa flavor and marshmallow topping will bring back childhood memories of sipping on hot chocolate after playing in the snow.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are a breeze to make. No need to spend hours in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of these cookies and be enjoying them in no time.
- Great for sharing: These cookies are great for sharing with friends and family. Bring them to a holiday party or give them as gifts, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
Hot Cocoa Cookies Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a soft and chewy texture.Use salted or unsalted butter.
Sugar: A combination of white sugar and brown sugar gives these cookies the perfect balance of sweetness.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together, creating a sturdy cookie.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a hint of warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used as the base of these cookies.
Hot Cocoa Mix: Use your favorite brand of hot cocoa mix for that delicious chocolate flavor. This can be found near the coffee at your local grocery store.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This adds extra depth and richness to the cookie dough.
Salt, Baking Soda, and Baking Powder: These ingredients help with leavening and create a soft and tender texture.
Powdered Sugar, Hot Cocoa Mix, and Milk: These ingredients are used to make the glaze for the cookies.
Mini Marshmallows: These adorable little marshmallows add a fun and tasty topping to the cookies.
How to Make this Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
[Step 1] Cream the butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, at medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
[Step 2] In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa mix, baking cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
[Step 3] Use a two tablespoon cookie scoop to drop cookie dough balls about two inches apart onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
[Step 4] Remove from the oven and use the back of a measuring cup to flatten the tops of the cookies. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
[Step 5] Hot Chocolate Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, remaining hot cocoa mix, and milk. Spread over the top of each cookie and add 3-4 mini marshmallows.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper Sheets
- Cookie Sheet
- Cooling Rack
How to Store Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature and add the glaze and toppings.
Baking Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cookies
- Make sure to use softened butter, not melted. Softened butter allows for proper creaming with the sugars, which creates a lighter texture in the cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- When baking, keep an eye on the cookies as they can quickly go from perfectly baked to overbaked. Remove from the oven when they are slightly underdone as they will continue to cook and firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.
- For a fun twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for some extra warmth and spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute the cocoa powder with additional hot cocoa mix. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe as most hot cocoa mixes already contain sugar.
Yes, you can use alternative flours such as whole wheat or almond flour for an alternate option. However, the texture and taste of the cookies may differ slightly.
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs and use dairy-free milk in the glaze to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
Recipe Variations
- Add chocolate chips or chunks to the cookie dough for extra chocolate goodness.
- Swap out the hot cocoa mix for other flavors such as peppermint or salted caramel for a twist on the classic hot chocolate flavor.
- Instead of mini marshmallows, top the cookies with crushed candy canes or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Final Thoughts
These delicious hot chocolate cookies are a must-try Christmas cookies recipe for any winter gathering or cozy night at home. With their rich chocolate flavor and delightful toppings, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients and get baking – you won’t be disappointed with these sweet and comforting treats that taste like a mug of hot chocolate! Happy baking!
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
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Hot Chocolate Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the perfect winter treat! These hot chocolate cookies are a match made in dessert heaven. With a rich and fudgy texture, drizzled with a decadent hot chocolate glaze and topped with fluffy marshmallows, every bite is like a cozy sip of your favorite hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Cookies
- 3/4 Cup Butter, softened
- 3/4 Cup Sugar
- 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup Hot Cocoa Mix (about 3 packets)
- 3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
Hot Chocolate Glaze
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, for glaze
- 2 Tablespoons Hot Cocoa Mix, for glaze
- 2 Tablespoons Milk, for glaze
- Mini Marshmallows, for topping
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, at medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa mix, baking cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Use a two tablespoon cookie scoop to drop cookie dough balls about two inches apart onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and use the back of a measuring cup to flatten the tops of the cookies. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Hot Chocolate Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, remaining hot cocoa mix, and milk. Spread over the top of each cookie and add 3-4 mini marshmallows.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 30 Serving Size: 1 CookieAmount Per Serving: Calories: 183Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 212mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gProtein: 2g