Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Delight in these rich and comforting Hot Chocolate Cookies, perfectly capturing the cozy flavors of hot cocoa with the added fun of chocolate chips and mallow bits. Soft, chewy, and packed with warm cocoa goodness, these cookies are a perfect treat for chilly days or any time you crave a chocolatey indulgence.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cup hot cocoa mix – NOT sugar free versions)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows do not work the same and can be a bit of a sticky mess)
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a standing mixer to beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until everything is well incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and mallow bits by hand to evenly distribute them throughout the dough. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors and make it easier to handle.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The centers will remain soft but set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them finish setting and prevents sogginess on the bottom.
Notes
- Use hot cocoa mix that contains sugar and is not sugar-free to ensure proper sweetness and texture.
- Mallow Bits are preferred over mini marshmallows to avoid melting into a sticky mess during baking.
- Dough can be chilled up to 24 hours; chilling improves flavor and dough handling.
- Make sure to space cookie dough portions adequately as they will spread during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: hot chocolate cookies, chocolate chip cookies, cocoa cookies, fall dessert, winter treats, marshmallow cookies, chocolate dessert