Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect treat to bring the cozy, nostalgic flavors of your favorite winter beverage into cookie form. Soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate chips, these cookies are an irresistible choice for holiday baking, snow day indulgence, or any occasion that calls for a little extra comfort.

What Are Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Hot Chocolate Cookies combine the rich chocolate base of a cookie with the classic toppings of hot cocoa—chocolate chips and marshmallows. Their soft texture and bursts of sweetness make them a standout on any dessert table, while their simplicity ensures they’re easy enough for bakers of all levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: A perfect mix of cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
• Festive and Fun: Ideal for holiday parties or gift exchanges.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Gooey Marshmallows: An extra-special touch reminiscent of a warm mug of hot chocolate.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (43 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips
• 1 cup (50 g) mini marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

Baking the Cookies

6. Scoop dough using a spoon or cookie scoop and place onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes.

Adding the Marshmallows

8. Remove the cookies from the oven and quickly press 3-4 mini marshmallows onto each cookie.
9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are gooey and slightly golden.

Cooling

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa.
• Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore their gooey texture.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For unbaked dough, scoop portions onto a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Variations

• Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.
• Darker Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?
Yes! Cut them into smaller pieces to avoid overwhelming the cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent marshmallows from melting too much?
Press them onto the cookies after partially baking, as instructed, to ensure they remain gooey but intact.

Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate way to transform a beloved winter drink into a delightful, handheld treat. Their rich flavor, soft texture, and playful marshmallow topping make them a must-try for your next baking session. Give this recipe a go, and don’t forget to share your experience!

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