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!

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (1)

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

While chilling the dough, preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (2)

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.

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Bake until the tops of the cookies begin to crinkle, 10-11 minutes.

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Step 5

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.

The melted chocolate will hold the gooey marshmallow. Top with grated chocolate.

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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!

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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.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (6)

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 (7)

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

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I use hot chocolate instead of cocoa powder in cookies? ›

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.

How do you make cookies soft and chewy vs hard and crisp? ›

Different types of sugars affect the texture because they absorb different amounts of water. Remember moisture is the key! White sugar creates crispier cookies and brown sugar creates chewier cookies.

What makes the chewiest cookies? ›

Well, the long and short answer to chewy cookies is it's all about the moisture content. Cookies that are dense and chewy incorporate more moisture into the batter. This can be achieved by making substitutions with wet and dry ingredients, or even just changing the way you incorporate certain ingredients.

What's the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa? ›

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.

What is a substitute for cocoa powder in cookies? ›

10 Substitutes for Cocoa Powder
  1. Chocolate Chips. Chocolate chips are the perfect cocoa powder substitute for cookies and muffins, giving a little chocolate hit with every bite. ...
  2. Cacao Nibs. ...
  3. Dark Chocolate. ...
  4. Couverture. ...
  5. Drinking Chocolate. ...
  6. Carob Powder. ...
  7. Chocolate Spread. ...
  8. Chocolate Protein Powder.
Feb 22, 2024

What is the best cocoa powder for hot cocoa? ›

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!)

What does cocoa powder do in cookies? ›

Cocoa has several functions in baked goods: Flavor: imparts a rich sweet chocolate flavor. Color: provides a brownish to reddish color. Water absorption: provides a higher water absorption than an equal weight of flour.

What is the best cocoa for cookies? ›

“When it comes to baking, I prefer Dutch process cocoa powder,” says former BA food editor Claire Saffitz. “The alkalizing process darkens the color and typically deepens the flavor.” Dutch process cocoa powder produces baked goods that taste more intensely chocolatey.

Why put corn syrup in cookies? ›

So, when you mix corn syrup into your cookie batter, all of that moisture will make and keep your baked cookies deliciously tender. The texture of cookies benefits from corn syrup as well. As you combine your ingredients to make your cookie batter, corn syrup will pull some of the surrounding air into your batter.

Why do my cookies get hard after they cool? ›

Cookies become hard when the moisture in them evaporates. This can be caused by leaving them out in the air for too long, baking them for too long, or storing them improperly. The lack of moisture makes the cookies hard and dry, which makes them difficult to enjoy.

Should I use baking soda or baking powder in cookies? ›

Baking soda is typically used for chewy cookies, while baking powder is generally used for light and airy cookies. Since baking powder is comprised of a number of ingredients (baking soda, cream of tartar, cornstarch, etc.), using it instead of pure baking soda will affect the taste of your cookies.

How do I make my cookies chewy instead of crunchy? ›

How To Make Cookies Chewy Without Cornstarch
  1. Go heavy on brown sugar. It has more moisture than its granulated counterpart, which means the cookie comes out less crispy. ...
  2. Choose margarine or shortening instead of butter. ...
  3. Use baking powder instead of baking soda. ...
  4. Rest your dough. ...
  5. Shorten baking time.
May 14, 2023

What is the secret to making good cookies? ›

The key is to always use top-quality ingredients as they'll result in a better cookie; it really is that simple.
  1. Always use butter.
  2. Choose the right sugar.
  3. Choose the right flour.
  4. Check your flour is in date.
  5. Choose the right kind of chocolate.
  6. Cream the butter and sugar.
  7. Beat in the eggs.
  8. Fold in the flour.

Can I use chocolate instead of cocoa powder in baking? ›

Alright, can unsweetened baking chocolate be used as a cocoa powder substitute? Sure, it's doable, but there are a few things to consider. For every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, swap in 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate. I've learned it's best to melt the chocolate and mix it in when adding the sugar and fat.

Is baking cocoa OK for hot chocolate? ›

Ingredients for Hot Cocoa

Cocoa powder: Baking cocoa (otherwise known as cocoa powder) is a great staple to keep in your pantry. Be sure to use an unsweetened cocoa powder in this homemade hot cocoa recipe, as it allows you to control the sweetness of the drink with sugar.

What is the best cocoa powder for baking? ›

Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder

It makes amazingly rich, dark, and tender cakes, fudgy, moist brownies and cookies, and incredibly luscious frosting.

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