If you’re in search of a treat that captures the nostalgic spirit of winter nights curled up by the fire, look no further than these Hot Chocolate Cookies. Each bite delivers the fudgy richness of cocoa, melty pools of chocolate, gooey toasted marshmallows, and (if you’re feeling extra fancy) a hint of graham cracker crunch. Imagine your favorite mug of hot chocolate, but transformed into a soft-baked cookie—pure comfort, total bliss, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s for a special holiday cookie tray or a spontaneous family movie night, Hot Chocolate Cookies never fail to turn an ordinary day into something to celebrate.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but packs a ton of flavor into every cookie. Each ingredient plays a starring role, making sure your batch of Hot Chocolate Cookies turns out delightfully rich, chewy, and indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Unsalted Butter, softened: Gives the cookies a tender crumb and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Light Brown Sugar, packed: Adds soft sweetness and subtle molasses depth, making the cookies extra chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Brings crisp edges and balances the rich chocolate flavor.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together and create that perfect balance between softness and structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolatey notes and adds warm background flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape without being dense.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers an intense chocolate punch, essential to that classic hot cocoa profile.
Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies rise just enough, with a gentle, pillowy lift.
Salt: Brings out all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Hot Cocoa Mix: Infuses the dough with authentic hot chocolate flavor and a hint of creamy sweetness.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provide melty chocolate pockets throughout each cookie—don’t skimp!
Mini Marshmallows: Toast up beautifully on top, adding gooey, nostalgic goodness.
Crushed Graham Crackers (optional): Sprinkle over the cookies for a playful s’mores twist and satisfying crunch.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheets Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lining the sheets makes lifting the cookies super easy and also prevents sticking, no matter how gooey those marshmallows get.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step’s all about aeration—getting that perfect texture so each cookie is soft but never cakey.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds that subtle, aromatic warmth to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and hot cocoa mix. This ensures an even distribution and prevents any sneaky clumps, so every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything comes together. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine, which keeps the cookies tender.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. At this point, your dough should be wonderfully thick, chocolatey, and absolutely loaded with chocolate chunks. This is what gives Hot Chocolate Cookies their irresistible melty bits in every bite!

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, with about two inches between each. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes—just until the cookies have spread and the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Step 8: Top with Marshmallows and Finish Baking

Quickly remove the cookies from the oven and gently press 2 to 3 mini marshmallows into the center of each. Return the cookies to the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the marshmallows are puffed and starting to turn golden.

Step 9: Cool and Sprinkle with Graham Crackers

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes—this helps them set and makes transferring them a breeze. If you like, sprinkle a bit of crushed graham cracker on top for a s’mores-inspired finish! Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long).

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Garnishes

Turn these cookies into a true showstopper with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra melted chocolate, or an extra sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. If you want to up the cozy factor, press a few extra mini marshmallows on top just before serving for maximum gooeyness.

Side Dishes

A classic glass of icy cold milk or a mug of your favorite hot chocolate makes the perfect pairing, echoing the flavors inside the cookies. For a festive dessert board, consider adding fresh berries, peppermint sticks, or even a selection of other holiday cookies for variety!

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, stack your Hot Chocolate Cookies on a platter with mini marshmallows scattered all around. Package them up in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for sweet homemade gifts, or serve them warm with roasted marshmallows on the side for a DIY s’mores night indoors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Hot Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The marshmallows will stay soft, and the cookies will hold their delightful chewy texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, layer them between parchment or wax paper, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls (before adding marshmallows) and bake them fresh whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

A quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave brings Hot Chocolate Cookies back to their just-baked gooey glory. The chocolate gets meltingly soft, and the marshmallows puff right up again—almost like they’re fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips are delicious in Hot Chocolate Cookies. For an extra decadent treat, try mixing a few types together or use chocolate chunks for bigger bursts of chocolate.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They’re perfectly sweet but not overwhelming. The cocoa powder and a touch of salt balance the sweetness from the sugars, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, so every bite is just right.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts add a lovely crunch and pair well with the chocolate. Just fold in about half a cup with the chocolate chips for extra texture.

Do I have to use the graham cracker topping?

Nope, it’s optional! The crushed graham crackers give a fun nod to s’mores, but your Hot Chocolate Cookies will be just as delicious without them if you prefer a smoother, classic style.

What if I don’t have hot cocoa mix?

You can substitute an extra quarter cup of cocoa powder plus two tablespoons of sugar in a pinch. The cocoa mix, however, adds a uniquely creamy, nostalgic flavor that really makes the cookies shine!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of warm Hot Chocolate Cookies with people you love. These cookies turn simple moments into special ones, and their gooey, chocolatey goodness is sure to win over every sweet tooth at the table. Go ahead—get baking, and let the simple magic of homemade Hot Chocolate Cookies brighten your day!

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of hot chocolate in cookie form with these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies. Soft and chewy, these cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and a hint of cocoa powder, making them a perfect treat for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup hot cocoa mix

Additional Mix-Ins:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and hot cocoa mix. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
Bake the cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 8–9 minutes. Press marshmallows onto hot cookies and return to oven for 2–3 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and top with graham cracker crumbs.