These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home! With rich chocolate flavors and a hint of marshmallow, they make perfect treats for winter gatherings or holiday cookie exchanges. The combination of hot cocoa mix and chocolate chips creates a delightful experience, making these cookies a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: These cookies come together quickly, with less than 10 minutes of prep time.
- Rich Flavor: Infused with real hot cocoa, each bite delivers a burst of chocolatey goodness.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a big batch and share them at parties or give them as sweet gifts during the holidays.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate.
- Chewy and Soft: The Mallow Bits create a soft, chewy texture that everyone loves.
Tools and Preparation
To ensure your Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Standing mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling racks
Importance of Each Tool
- Standing mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugars until fluffy without tiring your arms.
- Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy base for baking your cookies evenly.
- Cooling racks: Help cookies cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
Ingredients
These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are always a hit! Made with real hot cocoa, this is always a popular winter or Christmas cookie and is perfect for cookie exchanges.
For the Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups 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)
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Step 1: Beat the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened butter and both types of sugar in a large bowl using your standing mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until blended.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Mallow Bits
Once combined, gently fold in the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Chill for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Drop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Ensure they are placed about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for approximately 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let them cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies fresh from the oven or store them for later!
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also versatile! Here are some fun and festive ways to serve these delightful treats.
With a Warm Mug of Cocoa
- Enjoy your cookies alongside a cup of hot chocolate for a double dose of cocoa goodness. This pairing is perfect for cozy winter nights.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two Hot Chocolate Cookies to create an indulgent ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor, such as vanilla or peppermint, for added holiday cheer.
As Holiday Gifts
- Package your cookies in festive boxes or bags. These make thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Cookie Platter
- Arrange your Hot Chocolate Cookies on a colorful platter with other holiday cookies. This creates an inviting dessert table for gatherings and parties.
With Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with cocoa powder for an extra special treat that looks as good as it tastes.
S’mores Style
- Add a layer of chocolate and roasted marshmallows between two cookies for a fun twist on the classic s’more experience.
How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies
To achieve the best Hot Chocolate Cookies, follow these helpful tips.
Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use Quality Cocoa Mix: Opt for a rich hot cocoa mix that contains real cocoa powder. This will elevate the chocolate flavor in your cookies.
Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour to ensure you don’t end up with dry cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven to maintain that chewy texture.
Add Extra Toppings: Before baking, consider sprinkling additional chocolate chips or Mallow Bits on top of each cookie for extra sweetness and texture.
Let Them Cool Properly: Allowing cookies to cool on wire racks ensures they firm up nicely without becoming soggy.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies
Looking for some side dishes to serve with your Hot Chocolate Cookies? Here are some delightful options to consider!
Chili: A warm bowl of chili balances out the sweetness of your cookies perfectly, making it an ideal comfort food pairing.
Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses like brie and gouda alongside crackers. The savory flavors contrast nicely with sweet cookies.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and helps cleanse the palate after indulging in rich Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Nut Mix: Serve spiced or salted nuts as a crunchy side that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
Caramel Sauce: Provide warm caramel sauce for drizzling over both cookies and fruit desserts, enhancing their flavor profile.
Milkshakes: Pairing hot chocolate cookies with creamy milkshakes creates a decadent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee makes for a classic pairing that enhances the chocolatey flavors in your cookies.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake: This retro dessert brings a tropical twist that can brighten up any winter gathering alongside your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many bakers face challenges when making Hot Chocolate Cookies. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Using Sugar-Free Cocoa: Sugar-free hot cocoa mixes can alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Always use regular hot cocoa mix for the best results.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Ensure you chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to keep them thick and chewy.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain a soft texture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even baking.
- Substituting Ingredients: Using different types of chocolate or marshmallows may yield unexpected results. Stick to the specified ingredients for optimal flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it briefly until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Hot Chocolate Cookies, here are some common questions answered.
How do I make Hot Chocolate Cookies chewy?
Adding Mallow Bits is key! They create that gooey texture that makes these cookies chewy and delightful.
Can I customize my Hot Chocolate Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts or swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or caramel bits for a unique twist.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Chill the dough longer before baking, or add a bit more flour gradually until it reaches the right consistency.
Are Hot Chocolate Cookies suitable for cookie exchanges?
Yes! Their rich flavor and festive appeal make them perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Chocolate Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with flavors you love. Whether it’s wintertime or a cookie exchange, these treats will bring joy to any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy their cozy warmth!
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Indulge in the warmth of these Hot Chocolate Cookies, the perfect winter treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with soft, chewy marshmallows. These cookies are a delightful addition to holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges, promising to elevate your festive spirit. Made with real hot cocoa mix and chocolate chips, they offer a burst of cocoa goodness in every bite. Easy to prepare, these cookies can be customized with your favorite mix-ins and served alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate or as irresistible ice cream sandwiches. Enjoy the cozy experience of baking these delightful treats that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mallow Bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk dry ingredients: flour, cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients while mixing on low speed.
- Fold in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits until evenly distributed.
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spaced apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are lightly browned; cool on racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
