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.

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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.

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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 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 to make a hot chocolate station? ›

Make your hot chocolate station by transferring the toppings to bowls or jars and arranging them close to your hot chocolate pan. Put out plenty of mugs, spoons and mini tongs or scoops for sprinkling on the toppings.

What is the secret to moist cookies? ›

Cornstarch helps product soft and thick cookies. Using more brown sugar than white sugar results in a moister, softer cookie. An extra egg yolk increases chewiness. Rolling the cookie dough balls to be tall and lumpy instead of wide and smooth gives the cookies a bakery-style textured thickness.

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.

Is hot chocolate just cocoa powder? ›

A distinction is sometimes made between "hot cocoa", made from cocoa powder (ground cacao beans from which much of the cocoa butter has been removed), and "hot chocolate", made directly from bar chocolate, which already contains cocoa, sugar, and cocoa butter.

Can you use hot chocolate for baking? ›

Yes, if you're baking a cake or cookies, or making icing, you can use hot chocolate powder in place of cocoa if you're out of cocoa powder.

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

Which chocolate is good for hot chocolate? ›

List of the best hot chocolate
NameAmazon RatingsAmazon Price
Maltesers Hot Chocolate Drink Powder4.2 / 5Click here
Christopher Cocoa Hot Drinking Chocolate4.1 / 5Click here
Galaxy Instant Hot Chocolate Drink Powder4.1 / 5Click here
Tiggle Dark Hot Chocolate Powder4.0 / 5Click here
6 more rows
Feb 15, 2024

How do they make McDonald's hot chocolate? ›

Taste the delicious chocolatey flavor of McCafé® Hot Chocolate. McDonald's Hot Chocolate recipe features steamed whole milk with rich hot chocolate syrup and is finished with whipped light cream and chocolate drizzle. Available in small, medium and large sizes.

What liquor goes with hot chocolate? ›

Adding a splash of alcohol like rum, brandy, or whisky can transform your hot chocolate into a truly indulgent and sophisticated drink.

How can I make my cookies fluffier instead of flat? ›

Butter keeps cookies fluffy in two ways. First, creaming cold butter with sugar creates tiny, uniform air pockets that will remain in the dough it bakes up. Second, cold butter naturally takes a longer time to melt in the oven.

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

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.

What's a substitute for cocoa powder? ›

Carob powder is a sweeter, caffeine-free option that can be used directly instead of cocoa, though you may need to adjust the sweetness elsewhere in your recipe. Unsweetened chocolate or chocolate chips can also be melted down as a substitute, requiring you to account for the additional fat and sugar they introduce.

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

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.

Can you use hot chocolate instead of cocoa powder on Reddit? ›

It will succeed in making something, but probably not like what you'd get just using cocoa. Maybe if you know the ratio of sugar in the mix you could substitute for sugar appropriately, but that may or may not give you the right amount of cocoa.

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