You know that feeling when you curl up with a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day? It’s cozy, comforting, and somehow instantly relaxing. Now imagine if you could capture that same feeling in a cookie. That’s exactly what hot chocolate cookies bring to your table—a soft, chewy, chocolate-packed cookie with gooey marshmallows that remind you of your favorite winter drink.
What Are Hot Chocolate Cookies?
Hot chocolate marshmallow cookies are chocolate-based cookies that mimic the comforting flavors of hot cocoa. They’re usually made with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and topped or filled with marshmallows to give them that signature hot chocolate vibe.
What makes them stand out from regular chocolate cookies is their soft texture and gooey marshmallow topping. Some versions even use hot chocolate mix in the dough to bring out the authentic cocoa flavor. These cookies are especially popular during the colder months but are truly irresistible all year round.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies
Rich Hot Cocoa Flavor
These cookies give you everything you love about hot chocolate in dessert form. Using cocoa powder and hot chocolate mix makes each bite taste like your favorite winter drink, with the added bonus of melted chocolate chips.
Perfectly Soft and Chewy Texture
You’ll love the texture—soft in the center, lightly crispy around the edges, and chewy all the way through. The gooey marshmallows on top create that comforting hot chocolate feel.
Family-Friendly and Festive
Hot chocolate and marshmallow cookies are perfect for baking with kids, gifting during the holidays, or serving at a comfortable winter gathering. They’re simple enough for everyday baking but festive enough for special occasions.
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these delicious cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 packet hot chocolate mix (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (or large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces)
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a perfectly soft texture.
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, until everything is fully combined.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix (if using), baking soda, and salt.
Combine and Add Chocolate
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks for that melty chocolate goodness.
Scoop and Bake
Scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. The centers should appear slightly soft when you remove them from the oven.
Add Marshmallows
Quickly press a few mini marshmallows onto the top of each cookie right after baking. Return the cookies to the oven for 1-2 more minutes until the marshmallows are lightly melted.
Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Use Hot Chocolate Mix: Adding a packet of hot chocolate mix gives your cookies an authentic cocoa flavor and a little extra sweetness.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to bake on the sheet after you remove them from the oven. Taking them out when they’re slightly underdone keeps them soft and chewy.
- Add Marshmallows Late: If you add marshmallows too early, they may melt completely or burn. Adding them in the final minutes gives you gooey, picture-perfect tops.
Creative Variations
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
Add crushed peppermint candy to the dough or sprinkle on top for a festive winter twist.
Double Hot Chocolate Cookies
Mix white and dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent double chocolate experience.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy, warming kick.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Cookies
Drizzle the baked cookies with caramel sauce and a light sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Enjoy them fresh and warm with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or cold milk.
- Package them as gifts in cookie tins for holidays or winter parties.
- Serve them as part of a cozy dessert platter for family gatherings.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Room Temperature:
Store hot chocolate marshmallow cookies in an airtight container for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and chewy if you place a slice of bread in the container.
Freezing Dough:
Scoop cookie dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1-2 extra minutes.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to two months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I Make Hot Chocolate Cookies Without Marshmallows?
Yes, you can leave them out, but the marshmallows really add to the “hot chocolate” feel. You could also try adding white chocolate chips as a substitute.
Do I Need to Use Hot Chocolate Mix?
No, but adding it enhances the cocoa flavor and gives the cookies that nostalgic hot chocolate taste.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
The dough may have been too warm. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Can I Use Large Marshmallows?
Yes, just cut them into smaller pieces to fit nicely on top of each cookie.
How Can I Keep Hot Chocolate Cookies Soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
Cookies You May Like
If you’re looking for the ultimate winter cookie, hot chocolate cookies are it. They’re soft, chewy, rich, and packed with everything you love about sipping hot cocoa on a cold day. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon treat, a holiday dessert, or a sweet gift for friends, these cookies will quickly earn a place in your regular baking rotation.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 packet hot chocolate mix optional, for extra cocoa flavor
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove cookies from the oven and quickly press mini marshmallows into the tops. Return to the oven for 1-2 more minutes until marshmallows soften.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and creates thicker cookies.
- Add crushed peppermint, caramel drizzle, or sea salt for creative variations.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
