Cozy Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Winter Treat

Chocolate chip cookies just got a cozy winter upgrade with these decadent hot chocolate cookies that blend the rich warmth of a favorite winter beverage into every delectable bite.

The classic cookie recipe takes an unexpected turn with cocoa powder and marshmallow bits scattered throughout the dough.

Soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey, these treats promise to melt in your mouth and warm your soul.

Each cookie delivers a nostalgic reminder of snuggling by the fireplace with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

The combination of deep chocolate flavor and sweet marshmallow creates an irresistible texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Dark chocolate chips add extra depth and complexity to this already indulgent dessert.

Bake a batch and watch these irresistible cookies disappear in moments, spreading winter comfort with every sweet morsel.

Why Hot Chocolate Cookies Are Pure Comfort

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in, these cookies bring instant joy and warmth to everyone around.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful mix of soft, chewy cookie base with gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate chips that create an irresistible treat for all ages.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delicious cookies in under an hour, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for spontaneous sweet cravings or unexpected guests.

All the Ingredients for Cocoa Cookie Goodness

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for soft cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet crystal that helps create cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel flavor.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure.
• Flour: Classic foundation for cookie dough.
• Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate character for rich taste.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty chocolate bursts in every bite.
• Mini Marshmallows: Soft, sweet clouds that add playful texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Balances and brightens overall sweetness.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Non-stick surface for easy baking.

How to Bake Hot Chocolate Cookies With Marshmallows

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Set your oven to roast at 350°F.

Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure cookies won’t stick during baking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until they transform into a fluffy, light mixture that looks cloud-like and feels smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one by one, then splash in vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly until everything blends seamlessly and looks uniform.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk.

Slowly integrate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a rich chocolate dough.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows

Ensure these goodies are evenly scattered throughout the cookie dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to plop dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Space each cookie drop about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Look for set edges with slightly soft centers – this ensures a delightful chewy texture.

Step 8: Final Marshmallow Touch

Right after removing from the oven, press a few extra mini marshmallows on top of each cookie for a gooey, irresistible finish.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

For an elegant touch, dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle grated chocolate before serving.

Tips for Keeping These Cookies Extra Soft

• Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve the ideal fluffy texture without melting.
• Coat mini marshmallows lightly in flour before adding to the dough to help them distribute evenly and stay suspended.
• Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize excessive spreading and maintain a thicker cookie shape.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder and add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the rich chocolate taste without adding coffee flavor.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread inside to maintain soft texture.

Storing and Reheating for That Freshly Baked Feel

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying or reheating.

Tasty Pairings for Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Pair Creamy Hot Cocoa: Complement these rich chocolate cookies with a classic hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and marshmallow swirls.
• Enhance with Milk Selections: Serve alongside cold whole milk or create a luxurious experience with salted caramel milk for added depth and sweetness.
• Match with Dessert Wines: Select a sweet port wine or moscato to highlight the chocolate's intense flavor profile and create a sophisticated dessert moment.
• Create Coffee Companions: Brew a smooth cappuccino or vanilla-infused latte that harmonizes with the cookies' marshmallow and chocolate notes, providing a delightful warming contrast.

Different Takes on This Warm Cookie Classic

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Nutty Chocolate Marshmallow Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for extra crunch and complementary flavor to the chocolate base.

FAQs

• Are these cookies really like hot chocolate?

Yes! They capture the rich, cozy flavor of hot chocolate with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, giving you that warm, comforting taste in cookie form.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum for the best texture and consistency.

• How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?

Add marshmallows near the end of baking or right after removing cookies from the oven. This prevents them from melting completely and burning while keeping that gooey, soft texture.

• What type of cocoa powder works best?

Use unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the deepest, richest chocolate flavor. Natural cocoa powder works too, but Dutch-processed gives a more intense taste.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent hot chocolate cookies bring winter’s warmth to your dessert plate, melding rich cocoa and sweet chocolate chips. Crisp edges and gooey centers invite cozy moments of pure comfort that you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• Extra mini marshmallows
• Grated chocolate
• Chocolate drizzle

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure smooth cookie release.
2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, developing a smooth texture.
3. Integrate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, whisking carefully to maintain a consistent emulsion and prevent ingredient separation.
4. Craft the dry mixture by combining flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate vessel, ensuring even distribution of ingredients through gentle whisking.
5. Merge wet and dry components by gradually incorporating the flour mixture into the butter blend, stirring at low speed to prevent overmixing and maintain a delicate cookie texture.
6. Enhance the cookie base by gently folding semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows throughout the dough, creating pockets of melty sweetness.
7. Portion the dough using a cookie scoop, strategically placing dollops approximately two inches apart to allow proper spreading and prevent cookie merging.
8. Transform the raw dough into delectable treats by baking for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers that indicate perfect doneness.
9. Elevate the visual appeal by optionally pressing additional mini marshmallows onto the freshly baked cookies, creating an enticing, gooey surface.
10. Complete the process by allowing cookies to rest on baking sheets for five minutes, then transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a thick, chewy cookie texture.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Swap mini marshmallows with marshmallow cream for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth alternative that adds extra decadence.
• For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg