Name: Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491322H14M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (softened); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 1/8 cups flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons); 1/3 cup powdered hot cocoa mix; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup marshmallow bits (plus extra for topping); 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

If you have a soft spot for cozy, indulgent treats, you will absolutely adore this Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the soul-warming essence of a rich cup of hot cocoa, but in a delightfully chewy, chocolatey cookie form. Imagine a perfect balance of cocoa powder, sweet marshmallow bits, and melty chocolate chips all nestled in a buttery dough that melts in your mouth. They’re the ultimate comfort snack for any chilly afternoon or late-night craving, guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with nine white bowls and one stick of salted butter arranged neatly. The largest bowl at the bottom contains white flour with a slightly textured surface. Above it to the left is a medium-sized bowl with white sugar and brown sugar side by side. At the top center is a bowl divided into two halves: one filled with mini white marshmallows and the other with dark chocolate chips. To its right are two small square bowls, one with a white liquid and the other with white powder. Below the stick of butter are two smaller white bowls: one filled with light brown powder and the other with darker brown cocoa powder. A small white cup with amber vanilla extract is near the center. To the right edge, one white egg lies on the marble. The stick of butter is wrapped with a packaging showing red and orange designs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these Hot Chocolate Cookies right is all about the simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building flavor depth, creating that tender chewy texture, or adding visual and taste pops with marshmallow and chocolate chips.

Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the dough a rich, creamy base and contributes to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness for balance.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the overall flavor.
Egg (1): Acts as the binder to hold everything together and provides structure.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Keeps the dough soft and helps with moisture for chewiness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the chocolate flavors and rounds out the profile with warmth.
Flour (1 1/8 cups – 1 cup + 2 tablespoons): The sturdy backbone; gluten ensures perfect cookie shape and texture.
Powdered Hot Cocoa Mix (1/3 cup): The star ingredient for that unmistakable hot chocolate taste.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Adds depth and rich chocolate bitterness to balance sweetness.
Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle leavening agent to create the ideal softness and rise.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolate flavors and balances the sweetness.
Marshmallow Bits (1/2 cup, plus extra for topping): Tiny pockets of sweet gooeyness that replicate the magic of real hot chocolate.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, plus extra for topping): For those irresistible chocolate bursts in every bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the softened butter with both the white and brown sugars. Begin mixing on low to combine, then ramp up to high until the mixture is light, fluffy, and airy—this little step makes a big difference in the final cookie texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix these until they’re fully blended, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This guarantees even distribution and a smooth batter.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour, powdered hot cocoa mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so gentle is key here!

Step 5: Stir in the Marshmallow Bits and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the marshmallow bits and chocolate chips evenly. These little bites of gooey sweetness and melty chocolate create delightful texture contrasts you’ll savor.

Step 6: Optional Chill for Extra Flavor

If you have the time, cover the dough and refrigerate it for up to 36 hours. This resting allows flavors to deepen and the dough to firm up, which helps maintain cookie shape during baking.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough evenly onto your prepared baking sheets. Baking one sheet at a time for 8 to 10 minutes ensures consistent heat distribution. Remember, the cookies should still look soft in the center when you take them out—that’s the secret to that perfect chewy texture.

Step 8: Top with Extra Goodies and Cool

While the cookies are still warm, press a few extra chocolate chips and marshmallow bits on top. Then, let them cool completely on the pan. The residual heat continues to gently bake the cookies while they set, locking in that wonderful softness.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

A single round dark chocolate cookie lies on a baking sheet lined with a beige textured mat. The cookie has a rough and slightly cracked surface showing a deep brown color. Scattered on top are small white marshmallows and chunks of glossy dark chocolate, adding contrast and texture. The edges of the cookie are slightly raised, creating a rounded shape. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the cookie's rich texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top. You could also add a little pinch of sea salt to offset the sweetness and heighten flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a warm mug of milk or a steaming cup of coffee just elevates the experience. For a festive crowd, consider serving alongside hot cocoa or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies on a pretty plate with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips scattered around for a charming display. For parties, sandwich a scoop of marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a decadent dessert sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookie dough and baked cookies. Wrap dough balls individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies should be frozen in a single layer with parchment between for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for that fresh-baked softness, or heat in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives the melty chocolate and gooey marshmallow like magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of hot cocoa mix?

Yes! However, since hot cocoa mix contains sweeteners and powdered milk, you might want to tweak the sweetness or add a bit of milk powder to balance flavors if you only use cocoa powder.

What if I don’t have marshmallow bits?

No problem. Mini marshmallows chopped into smaller pieces work just as well. You can also skip them, but they really add to that authentic hot chocolate vibe.

How soft should these cookies be when finished?

These cookies are best when soft and slightly gooey in the center. If you bake them until fully firm, you’ll lose that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture. The results should be just as delicious!

How do I prevent my marshmallows from melting completely during baking?

Marshmallow bits are designed to hold their shape better than full marshmallows, but if you only have regular marshmallows, toss them in during the last few minutes of baking or add them as a topping after baking to keep that delightful gooey texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to treats for cozy days and sharing with loved ones. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet marshmallows, and buttery dough is simply unbeatable. So grab your mixing bowl, turn on some soft music, and dive into baking these heartwarming cookies—you’re in for a deliciously satisfying experience!