Jump to Recipe Print RecipeGlancing outside at the swirling snowflakes, I realized: nothing captures the cozy essence of winter quite like a batch of fresh-baked Hot Chocolate Cookies. These delightful treats combine the nostalgia of warm cocoa with the joy of baking, creating an irresistible dessert that will soften any chilly day. With their chewy texture and pockets of melting chocolate and marshmallow bits, these cookies are not just a holiday staple; they’re a celebration in every bite—perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet night in. Plus, they can easily be made gluten-free or whipped up in a hurry with a brownie mix shortcut! Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of chocolate magic? Why Are Hot Chocolate Cookies a Must-Bake? Comfort in Every Bite: These Hot Chocolate Cookies deliver the warm, rich flavors of cozy winter nights, effortlessly transporting you to a world of chocolate bliss. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are bound to be a hit with family and friends, whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or at a cookie exchange. Adaptable Recipe: With options for gluten-free substitutions and a shortcut version using brownie mix, these cookies can accommodate any dietary preferences effortlessly. Decadent Textures: Enjoy the satisfying chewiness paired with gooey chocolate and soft marshmallow bits, making each cookie a delightful adventure. Quick and Easy: In just one mixing bowl, you can create these delicious cookies with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to savor the season! Hot Chocolate Cookies Ingredients • For those cozy treats you’ll love! For the Dough Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the dough; substitute with non-dairy butter for vegan options. Sugar – Provides sweetness and aids in texture; try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative. Brown Sugar – Enhances moisture and adds caramel notes; can be swapped with additional granulated sugar if needed. Egg – Binds ingredients and contributes to chewiness; for an egg-free option, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water). Milk – Adds essential moisture; choose almond milk or another plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results. Flour – Forms the base structure of the cookie; substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for gluten-free Hot Chocolate Cookies. Hot Cocoa Mix – Infuses a chocolatey flavor; ensure it’s unsweetened and use a brand suitable for your dietary needs. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor; can swap with dark cocoa for an even richer taste. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results. Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor; use sea salt for an elevated touch. For the Add-ins Marshmallow Bits – Provide chewy texture and visual appeal; avoid using mini marshmallows as they may melt out. Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips – Offers rich chocolate flavor; substitute with dark or milk chocolate according to personal preference. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Decadent Hot Chocolate Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). This temperature ensures that your Hot Chocolate Cookies bake evenly, resulting in that perfect soft center and slightly crisp edges. While your oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which will prevent your cookies from sticking and simplify cleanup. Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture appears light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air, leading to tender cookies. Take a moment to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients combine smoothly. Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients Next, add one egg, the milk, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until fully combined, about 1 minute. The consistency should be smooth and blend seamlessly with the buttery mixture. This step infuses moisture and flavor into your Hot Chocolate Cookies, setting the foundation for those delectable treats. Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually sift in the flour, hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. This mixture should come together into a soft dough with a rich chocolate hue, offering the unmistakable essence of hot chocolate in every bite. Step 5: Fold in Marshmallow and Chocolate Gently fold in the marshmallow bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These add-ins will melt beautifully during baking, making each cookie a delightful surprise. Take a moment to admire the colorful specks of chocolate against the rich dough! Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional) For enhanced flavor, consider refrigerating the dough for up to 36 hours. If you choose to do this, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in even more delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies when you’re ready to bake. Step 7: Scoop and Space the Dough Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial as the cookies will spread while baking. You’ll want to ensure each cookie has room to shine without merging into one another. Step 8: Bake the Cookies Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies should appear soft and slightly underbaked in the center, as they will continue to firm up once removed from the oven. This is the ideal state for achieving that chewy texture everyone loves. Step 9: Add Extra Toppings Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, press a few extra marshmallow bits and chocolate chips onto the tops. This finishing touch not only adds visual appeal but ensures those delightful gooey pockets that make these Hot Chocolate Cookies irresistible. Step 10: Cool and Transfer Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them maintain their structure before transferring them to a wire rack. Once moved, let them cool completely on the rack to achieve that perfect chewy texture. Then, savor the deliciousness! Expert Tips for Hot Chocolate Cookies Watch the Bake Time: Do not overbake your Hot Chocolate Cookies. They should have a soft center when you take them out, as they will firm up while cooling. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the dough to chill for up to 36 hours enhances the flavors and leads to a more aromatic cookie once baked. Use Proper Mix-ins: Opt for marshmallow bits instead of regular mini marshmallows; the latter can melt out and create a messy result. Experiment with Flavors: For a unique twist, add a hint of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne to the dry ingredients for a warm spiced chocolate experience. Quality Ingredients Count: Choose high-quality cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor payoff in your Hot Chocolate Cookies. Fresh Leavening Agents: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best results; it’s crucial for achieving that perfect rise in your cookies. What to Serve with Decadent Hot Chocolate Cookies Sink into a cozy moment with these delightful treats by pairing them with warm comforts that enhance every chocolatey bite. Creamy Milk: A classic choice, it balances the sweetness and adds a comforting touch to the rich cookies. Hot Cocoa: For the ultimate indulgence, serve alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa, amplifying that chocolatey goodness and nostalgia. Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cookies, creating an irresistible dessert experience. Hazelnut Coffee: With its nutty undertones, hazelnut coffee complements the cookies’ rich flavors, making for a luscious pairing. Peppermint Bark: This seasonal treat echoes the holiday spirit while offering a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with the soft cookies. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the decadent flavors of the cookies. Nutty Biscotti: For a delightful crunch, serve with nutty biscotti, enhancing the overall texture profile and providing additional flavors. Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of maple syrup over warm cookies elevates their sweetness and adds a touch of sophistication. Festive Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses and dried fruits can balance out the sweetness while adding a savory element to your dessert spread. Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth and spices of apple cider offer a cozy beverage option that perfectly complements the cookies and brings a seasonal charm. Hot Chocolate Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these Hot Chocolate Cookies to suit your taste preferences! Vegan Delight: Use non-dairy butter and almond milk for a completely vegan version that everyone can enjoy. Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends and family. Shortcut Magic: Combine a premade brownie mix with cocoa mix and marshmallow bits for a quicker, deliciously fudgy alternative. Minty Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing seasonal flair that’s simply delightful during the holidays. White Chocolate Surprise: Replace half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a delicious contrast of flavors and colors. Nutty Addition: Stir in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of crunch and richness. Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey sweetness. Dough for Days: If you prefer the flavor to develop, refrigerate the dough overnight before baking—trust me, the taste will be worth the wait! And if you’re ever in the mood for even more creative cookie ideas, why not check out these Butter Toffee Chocolate or Peanut Butter Cookies? Enjoy every moment of your baking journey! Make Ahead Options These Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing taste! You can prepare the dough up to 36 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This chilling step not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the dough is perfectly ready to scoop and bake. If you wish to extend the storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just portion out the dough, wrap it tightly, and when you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before scooping and baking as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious, fresh-baked Hot Chocolate Cookies with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Hot Chocolate Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor. Fridge: For longer preservation, you can refrigerate the cookies, but be aware they might lose some of their chewiness. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer to avoid sticking, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before enjoying. Dough Storage: Raw cookie dough can be chilled for up to 36 hours or frozen for later baking. Just scoop and freeze the dough in individual portions for easy baking whenever the craving for Hot Chocolate Cookies strikes! Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of cocoa powder should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For the richest chocolate flavor, I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder. You can even swap it for dark cocoa powder for a deeper taste. Just make sure it’s high-quality to bring out the best in your Hot Chocolate Cookies. How do I store leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies? You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps their chewy texture intact. If you’d like them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, though they may lose some chewiness. Can I freeze Hot Chocolate Cookies? Yes, you can definitely freeze your Hot Chocolate Cookies! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once frozen. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes. Are there any dietary substitutions for Hot Chocolate Cookies? Very! You can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead of regular flour. For those with dairy allergies, substitute regular butter with non-dairy butter and milk with almond or another plant-based milk. To make them egg-free, a flax egg made from 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons of water works wonderfully as a binding agent. What should I do if my cookies are too dry or crumbly? If your Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour. I suggest using a kitchen scale to measure your flour accurately or gently spooning it into the measuring cup without packing it down. If they’re already baked, try adding a touch of milk or butter when reheating them to bring moisture back. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow bits? No, I wouldn’t recommend it! Regular mini marshmallows will melt and turn gooey when baked, which would compromise the desired chewy texture. Stick to marshmallow bits for that perfect chewy sensation without the mess! Irresistible Hot Chocolate Cookies Perfect for Cozy Nights These Hot Chocolate Cookies combine the nostalgic warmth of cocoa with chewy texture, making them perfect for cozy winter nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 36 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 1 minute min Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 160 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Butter Substitute with non-dairy butter for vegan options.1 cup Sugar Try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative.1 cup Brown Sugar Can be swapped with additional granulated sugar if needed.1 large Egg For egg-free option, use a flax egg.2 tbsp Milk Choose almond milk for a dairy-free version.2 tsp Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla for the best results.2 cups Flour Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose blend for gluten-free option.0.5 cup Hot Cocoa Mix Ensure it's unsweetened and suitable for your dietary needs.0.25 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Can swap with dark cocoa for richer taste.1 tsp Baking Soda Make sure it's fresh for best results.0.5 tsp Salt Use sea salt for an elevated touch.For the Add-ins1 cup Marshmallow Bits Avoid using mini marshmallows.1 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips Substitute with dark or milk chocolate according to preference. Equipment stand mixerbaking sheetsParchment papercookie scoop Method Baking InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.Add one egg, the milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.Gradually sift in the flour, hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; mix until just incorporated.Fold in the marshmallow bits and chocolate chips using a spatula.Chill the dough in the fridge for up to 36 hours if desired.Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until cookies appear soft and slightly underbaked in the center.Press extra marshmallow bits and chocolate chips onto the tops immediately after baking.Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg NotesWatch the bake time to avoid overbaking; cookies should have a soft center when taken out of the oven. Your choice of high-quality ingredients will greatly enhance the flavor of the cookies. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
