Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (2024)

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This Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe is like having a cup of hot cocoa, except in cookie form. Chocolate oozes from the centers of these marshmallow-topped treats. These rich cookies are perfect for holiday parties and dessert trays!

Why This Recipe Works

I’m super excited to share a brand new cookie recipe with you later this week, but for now you are going to LOVE this updated recipe for the irresistible Hot Cocoa Cookies.

These Hot Cocoa Cookies were one of the first cookies I put up on my blog a million years ago and it is one of the best cookies my lips have ever met. (This is say a lot considering the whole Cookie Remix ordeal.)

Watch The Web Story For Hot Cocoa Cookies!

Make a batch of hot cocoa in cookie form for your holiday cookie exchange!

How To Make Hot Cocoa Cookies

A comforting batch of cookies to nibble on when its cold and you want to think about being warm and enjoy eating a cookie!

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and 6 oz. chopped chocolate, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Set aside.

Step 2

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine the brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Add the chocolate mixture and beat until just combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the batter and beat on medium speed until just combined.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.

Step 4

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Recipe Notes

Make sure you refrigerate the batter for a minimum of 1 hour before rolling into balls and baking. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP!
Use whole regular-sized marshmallows in a pinch, but if the jumbo variety is available please-oh-please use them.
For a more economical cookie, consider replacing the baking chocolate with equal amounts of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Replace the large marshmallow you place on top of each cookie with a few mini marshmallows or marshmallow bits.
Add 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to the batter for an even more flavorful and delicious cookie.

Salted Butter vs Unsalted Butter

Ahh, the great baking debate. Many bakers use unsalted butter in their baked goods in order to avoid over-salting. I, however, believe that there is no such thing as “over-salting.”

I always use salted butter in my baked goods (and for everything else under the sun) because it gives everything I make an extra touch of salty deliciousness.

If you go the unsalted route, keep in mind that you may need to add a bit extra salt to the recipe!

Why Are My Cookies Flat

If your cookies are coming out of the oven looking flat, you either haven’t used the appropriate leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda) or you have used too little flour.

If the cookies are flat and greasy, you may have used too much butter. Follow baking recipes very closely to avoid making flat cookies!

How To Keep Cookies Soft

For optimal cookie softness, allow them to cool completely after coming out of the oven and store as stated in the directions. Some cookies store best in the fridge while others store well while covered at room temperature.

Can You Freeze Cookie Dough

Cookie dough is PERFECT for freezing! It’s one of the things I love most about it. Place prepared cookie dough into a resealable freezer bag and press as much air out as possible.

Freeze for up to six months. When you are ready to make the cookies, allow the dough to thaw completely in the fridge overnight then bake as directed.

How To Clean Cookie Sheets

If you have extra grimy cookie sheets, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface and cover with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 1 hour and scrub the surface using a dish scrubber. Wash with dish soap!

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate

Chocolate and cocoa products can kill a dog if eaten in large enough quantities. Theobromine is the part of chocolate that dogs are unable to metabolize which can build up in their systems and die as a result.

Holiday Baking Recipes

These delicious Chewy Gingersnaps are the perfect chewy treat. Plus they are super easy to make. Flavored with molasses and spices and the finishing touch – topped with simple icing!
These delicious, sugary pecan balls SCREAM Christmas! Pecans and just 4 additional ingredients are rolled into a soft cloud of powdered sugar to create cookies that are light and delicious.
This Baileys Irish Cream recipe tastes like a replica of the popular creamy drink. It is super easy to make and it’s an indulgent winter staple!
Say goodbye to boring and hello to sprinkles and color! These Spiral Cookies are fun! Red for Christmas, pink for a girl party or blue for pool-side snacks. They’ll make any occasion brighter and more fun!
These are the BEST Gingerbread Cookies you’ll find! Super easy to make and loved by everyone. Great for the holidays!

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Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

This Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe is like having a cup of hot cocoa, except in cookie form. Perfect for holiday parties or dessert trays!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 30

Calories: 172kcal

Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup salted butter softened
▢ 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate baking squares divided (6 oz for batter, 4 oz cut into 1/2 in squares, 2 oz grated for garnish)
▢ 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
▢ 3 large eggs
▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1/4 cup cocoa powder
▢ 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
▢ 1 tsp salt
▢ 15 jumbo marshmallows cut in half lengthwise

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and 6 oz. chopped chocolate, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the chocolate mixture and beat until just combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the batter and beat on medium speed until just combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet, flattening slightly using fingers. Bake until the tops of the cookies begin to crinkle, 10-11 minutes.
Gently press one square of baking chocolate into the center of each cookie, followed by a marshmallow half. Bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until marshmallows are soft and puffy. Top with grated chocolate.

Notes

Make sure you refrigerate the batter for a minimum of 1 hour before rolling into balls and baking. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP!
Use whole regular-sized marshmallows in a pinch, but if the jumbo variety is available please-oh-please use them.
For a more economical cookie, consider replacing the baking chocolate with equal amounts of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Replace the large marshmallow you place on top of each cookie with a few mini marshmallows or marshmallow bits.
Add 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to the batter for an even more flavorful and delicious cookie.

Nutrition

Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

FAQs

What is the secret to chewy cookies? ›

Cornstarch helps product soft and thick cookies. Using more brown sugar than white sugar results in a moister, softer cookie. An extra egg yolk increases chewiness. Rolling the cookie dough balls to be tall and lumpy instead of wide and smooth gives the cookies a bakery-style textured thickness.

Know More ›

Can you use hot chocolate for baking? ›

In short, you can use hot chocolate powder as a cocoa powder substitute in a pinch, but you may not experience the depth of flavour you want. Because most brands of hot chocolate powder include sugar or sweetener, you may wish to reduce the amount of sugar you add to your baking recipe.

Discover More Details ›

What can I add to hot chocolate to make it better? ›

Flavored spreads add a ton of flavor without adding extra effort. Another no-fuss way to add flavor to your hot cocoa is by melting in a spoonful of your favorite flavored spread. Peanut butter, cookie butter, and Nutella are all good to add-in since their flavors pair well with chocolate.

Get More Info ›

Can you substitute cocoa powder for hot chocolate mix? ›

Swapping cocoa powder with hot chocolate mix adds extra sweeteners and components to your recipe. This can result in a sweeter outcome and a potential change in texture. If you choose this substitution, consider reducing sugar or other sweet elements in your recipe to balance the added sweetness of the mix.

Show Me More ›

What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? ›

Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

Show Me More ›

Is hot chocolate same as cocoa powder? ›

Ingredients: Hot chocolate gets its deep, chocolatey flavor from the base of thick, melted chocolate. Warm liquids like water, milk, or cream are added to make the drink liquid. Hot cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa, sugar, and added flavorings.

Can baking cocoa powder be used for hot chocolate? ›

Cocoa Powder – Baking cocoa powder will make this hot chocolate not too thick.

Get More Info Here ›

Why do people put marshmallows in hot chocolate? ›

1. Texture: The soft and pillowy texture of the marshmallows contrasts with the smooth and velvety texture of the hot chocolate. This combination creates a delightful mouthfeel, adding a layer of creaminess and a bit of chewiness to each sip.

What can you put in hot chocolate instead of marshmallows? ›

An easy way to add extra flavor to any cup of cocoa—be it out of the box or homemade—is to add a touch of your favorite spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg or even cayenne can all be welcome warming additions.

Does Nesquik make good hot chocolate? ›

Nesquik® Hot Chocolate drink mix is a great tasting hot chocolate that can be nutritious too! Nesquik wakes up your warm milk with a delicious cocoa taste.

What is the best cocoa powder to make hot chocolate? ›

Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I've tried quite a few!)

Keep Reading ›

Can hot chocolate powder expire? ›

The short answer is yes, it can. While the powder typically has a long shelf life, it's not immune to spoilage. Typically, it lasts for around two years if you take care to store it properly. However, over time, its quality may degrade, resulting in changes in flavor, texture, and aroma.