Hot Cocoa Cookies

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Hot Cocoa Cookies are a decadent, cozy treat that combines all the comfort of a warm cup of cocoa with the delightful softness of a cookie. These cookies are thick, rich, and bursting with chocolaty goodness, thanks to the cocoa powder in the dough and the melted chocolate chips that provide little bursts of sweetness in every bite. Each cookie has a slightly crisp edge and a soft, chewy center, just like your favorite hot chocolate.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a sweet, intoxicating aroma, making it hard to resist reaching for just one more. I first tried these on a snowy winter evening, and they quickly became my go-to cookie for the colder months. The joy of sinking into a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, paired with one of these cookies, is pure bliss.

What I love about these Hot Cocoa Cookies is their versatility. You can add marshmallows for that authentic hot cocoa topping feel, or maybe a dash of peppermint if you’re in the mood for a festive twist. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. Whether it’s a winter celebration or simply a craving for something warm and comforting, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Perfect for:

  • Holiday dessert trays
  • Cozy winter baking
  • Gift giving
  • Kid-friendly treats
  • Snacking with a cup of hot cocoa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Hot Cocoa Cookies will quickly become a favorite:

  • Rich Chocolate Flavor: With cocoa powder and mini marshmallows, every bite has the delightful essence of hot cocoa.
  • Chewy and Soft: The texture is both chewy and soft, making them irresistibly satisfying.
  • Easy to Make: You don’t need advanced baking skills to make these tasty cookies—just mix, scoop, and bake!
  • Versatile: Perfect for gifting or adding to any festive spread.
  • Customizable: You can adjust ingredients or add in extras like crushed candy canes or chocolate chips for a variation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30–40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Baking Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Servings: 20-24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 100–150 calories

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cocoa Powder: Gives these cookies a rich chocolate flavor that mimics a cup of hot cocoa.
  • Butter: Makes the cookies tender and chewy.
  • Marshmallows: Adds a fun, gooey texture and that signature marshmallow flavor of hot cocoa.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until creamy and light.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the mini marshmallows and optional chocolate chips. The dough will be slightly thick, and you may need to press some of the marshmallows gently into the dough to ensure they stick.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. Shape the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can flatten the dough slightly with your fingers to give them an even shape.
  2. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies have a soft center.
  3. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Hot Cocoa Cookies can be served in many ways:

  1. With a Cup of Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate to make for a double cocoa treat.
  2. Giftable: Package these cookies in a jar or festive box as a homemade holiday gift.
  3. With Milk: For the perfect dessert, enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They’re done when the edges are slightly crisp and the centers are still soft.
  • Marshmallow Melting: If you want your marshmallows to stay in the cookie rather than melting out, fold them in gently at the end.
  • Customize: Add crushed peppermint or other flavorings for a unique twist on this recipe.
  • Freeze Dough for Later: This dough freezes well. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

  1. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies: Infuse your dough with ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty kick, then top your cookies with crushed candy canes before baking. This variation brings a festive, wintery flavor that pairs beautifully with hot cocoa.
  2. Chocolate Lovers: For a deep, indulgent chocolate flavor, use only dark cocoa powder in the dough and amp up the richness with additional chocolate chips. This variation is perfect for those who want a true, chocolate-forward cookie experience.
  3. Nutty Version: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough to introduce a satisfying crunch. The nuts also bring a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies, and a layer of flavor complexity.
  4. White Chocolate and Cranberry: Switch out the traditional chocolate chips for creamy white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries for a bright, tart contrast. This festive combination adds a touch of sweetness and holiday flair to the cookies.
  5. No Marshmallows: For those who prefer a simpler chocolate cookie, omit the marshmallows. You’ll have a smoother, more traditional chocolate cookie that allows the cocoa and chocolate chips to take center stage, while still providing that rich, sweet taste.
  6. Peanut Butter Twist: Stir in ¼ cup of peanut butter into the dough to give your cookies a salty-sweet twist. The creamy peanut butter adds richness and complexity, pairing perfectly with the chocolate base.
  7. Sea Salt Caramel: Add a handful of chopped caramel bits or drizzle the cookies with caramel sauce before baking. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt on top to highlight the sweet-and-salty contrast in flavor.
  8. S’mores Inspired: Incorporate crushed graham crackers into the dough and top each cookie with a mini marshmallow before baking. This will give your cookies a nostalgic s’mores flavor without the campfire!
  9. Hazelnut Delight: Mix in a ½ cup of chopped toasted hazelnuts to the dough for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the chocolate. This creates a luxurious, nutty bite that’s perfect for the holidays.
  10. Boozy Holiday Treat: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of your favorite holiday liqueur, such as Baileys, Amaretto, or Kahlua, to the dough. This will infuse the cookies with a warm, boozy flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing the Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake from frozen for a fresh batch of cookies whenever you need them.
  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized cookies.
  • Baking Sheet: A cookie sheet or baking mat is helpful for consistent results.
  • Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and avoid sogginess.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
  2. Can I make these cookies without marshmallows? Yes, they are delicious without marshmallows. You can add more chocolate chips or other mix-ins if desired.
  3. How do I store extra marshmallows if they come out of the dough? If marshmallows are melting onto the sheet and not staying in the cookie, gently press some back into the dough before baking.
  4. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  5. Why are my cookies flat? Make sure you’re not overmixing the dough, which can cause cookies to spread too much. Check that your butter is softened and not melted.

Conclusion

Hot Cocoa Cookies are a delightful, indulgent treat that perfectly capture the flavors of cozy winter days. With the rich, chocolatey taste of hot cocoa and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for both kids and adults. They bring a warm, comforting feeling and can be enjoyed with a hot drink or on their own.

Not only are they simple to make, but they also offer the opportunity to get creative. Feel free to mix in mini marshmallows, peppermint pieces, or even a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor. Whether shared at a holiday gathering or savored on a quiet afternoon, these cookies are a must-try in any dessert collection.

Baking a batch will fill your home with the most inviting chocolate aroma! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your cookies and share it on Instagram—tag me to show off your delicious success. Happy baking!

Leave a Comment