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.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (3)

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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If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!

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 powder instead of cocoa powder? ›

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.

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

The 15 Best Things To Add To Hot Chocolate
  1. Add an extract. A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. ...
  2. Sprinkle in warm spices. ...
  3. Mix in Nutella. ...
  4. Swirl in caramel. ...
  5. Spike it. ...
  6. Infuse it with orange. ...
  7. Swap regular sugar for maple syrup. ...
  8. Add a shot (of coffee)
Dec 4, 2023

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 cookie goes best with hot cocoa? ›

Although marshmallows are one of our favorite add-ins, they're far from the only treat that accompanies hot cocoa so well. Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies, Cinnamon Roll Cookies, and Chocolate Marshmallow Clouds were made for dunking!

What to use if you don't have cocoa powder? ›

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

How much melted chocolate to replace cocoa powder? ›

Alternatively, you can use cooking chocolate instead of cocoa powder. Use 30 grams of cooking chocolate for every 24 grams (three tablespoons) of cocoa powder that's required, and 15 grams less butter or oil.

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

How to make Swiss Miss hot chocolate better? ›

Other Ways to Upgrade Your Hot Chocolate:
  1. caramel.
  2. a scoop of ice cream.
  3. cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla extract.
  4. orange zest.
  5. a tablespoon of fresh-brewed espresso or coffee.
  6. peppermint stick.
  7. dark, milk, or white chocolate shavings.
  8. coconut or almond milk (use in place of regular milk)
Dec 1, 2015

Why add marshmallows to hot chocolate? ›

The lightness and creaminess created by melting marshmallows or whipped cream into hot cocoa to balance the thickness and richness of the chocolate perfectly. Not to mention, everyone loves using hot chocolate as an excuse to eat marshmallows straight out of the bag or whipped cream right from the can.

Is hot chocolate healthier than co*ke? ›

Hot chocolate or flavoured coffee with whipped cream

A large caramel-flavoured blended coffee drink, for example, can come in at 450 calories – that's three times more than a can of cola. Many coffee shops now do “iced” versions of these drinks, but bear in mind that these won't be any lower in fat and calories.

What is the best type of hot chocolate? ›

  • Best for Dark Chocolate Lovers. Crow & Moss Honduras Wampusirpi Drinking Chocolate. ...
  • Most Nostalgic. Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix. ...
  • Nostalgic Runner-Up. Nestle Rich Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix. ...
  • Best Spiced. Spicewalla Classic Hot Chocolate. ...
  • Most Spike-able. ...
  • Platonic Ideal. ...
  • Best for Gifting. ...
  • Allergy-Free.
Feb 1, 2024

Is hot chocolate good before bed? ›

It's a drink associated with comfort and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for a soothing bedtime routine. The simple act of sipping a warm drink like hot chocolate can trigger feelings of tranquillity, signalling to your brain that it's time to wind down.

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!)

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.

Are chocolate powder and cocoa powder the same? ›

Chocolate powder is often confused for cocoa powder, but thankfully we're here to clear all of that up for you! Chocolate powder is originally from cocoa and is processed with other ingredients; in contrary, Cocoa powder is deemed as the more pure and natural form of chocolate, with no other ingredients added.

Can you use hot chocolate powder for milkshakes? ›

Warm the milk slightly, adding the hot chocolate powder and stirring until combined. Place in the fridge to cool. Blend together the ice cream, hot chocolate and ice cubes on a low setting, until the milkshake is nice and frothy. Serve in your favourite glass (our SoHo Glass is ideal).

Can I use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder in brownies? ›

Other than that, especially in powder form, cacao and cocoa can be used fairly interchangeably. You may simply find that the raw cacao powder has a richer, more chocolatey and slightly more bitter flavour, while processed cocoa powder can be a little bit sweeter.

Is hot cocoa powder the same as chocolate milk powder? ›

Hot chocolate can be a mix of cane sugar, cocoa powder, and/or melted chocolate. Chocolate milk can also be made up of the same ingredients. Chocolate milk is known to be a little sweeter and hot chocolate is known to be a little richer. But they are made up of the same things.

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