As someone who has always adored the comforting warmth of a mug of hot chocolate on chilly evenings, I wanted to capture that same cozy feeling in cookie form. The idea came to me one winter when I was baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I thought, what if I could take the richness of hot cocoa, the sweetness of marshmallows, and the indulgence of melted chocolate, and bring it all together in a handheld treat? That thought turned into testing and tweaking, until I created these Hot Chocolate Cookies. Each bite feels like sipping on your favorite winter drink, but in a soft, chewy cookie you can enjoy all year round. They are now a favorite in my kitchen and often requested by friends and family, especially during the colder months.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are rich, decadent, and satisfying without being overwhelming. The deep chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with gooey marshmallows, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and indulgence. They are not just ordinary cookies; they bring a nostalgic, comforting feeling that reminds you of cozy nights by the fire. Whether you are baking for a holiday gathering, a family dessert, or simply a quiet night in, these cookies will always impress.

Versatile

What makes these cookies special is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain, with mini marshmallows baked inside, or topped with a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. They can be served warm with a glass of milk, packed in lunch boxes for a sweet surprise, or arranged on a festive dessert tray. They are also easy to customize—add peppermint pieces for a holiday twist, or swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Affordable

One of the best things about these cookies is that they are budget-friendly. All the ingredients are pantry staples that many home bakers already have on hand. Flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and eggs are the foundation, while mini marshmallows and chocolate chips add a special but affordable flair. Unlike expensive desserts that require specialty items, these cookies deliver indulgence without stretching your grocery budget.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• All-purpose flour

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Large eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Mini marshmallows

How to Prepare Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Making these Hot Chocolate Cookies is straightforward, and the process is both fun and rewarding. Even if you are not an experienced baker, you will find the method easy to follow. Below, I’ll walk you through each step carefully, ensuring that your cookies turn out soft, chocolatey, and irresistible.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed, giving the cookies a rich chocolate flavor. Set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, helping the cookies bake up with the perfect chewy texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract. This step ensures the wet mixture has a smooth, creamy consistency before the dry ingredients are added.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense. At this stage, the dough will be thick and rich in chocolate aroma.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. The chocolate chips will melt into pockets of richness, while the marshmallows create gooey centers that mimic the feeling of a cup of hot cocoa.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

For the best results, cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps the marshmallows set without sticking too much. Serve the cookies warm for the best gooey texture, or store them in an airtight container once cooled.

Quick and Easy

Although the cookies taste indulgent, the process does not require complicated steps or special equipment. From start to finish, you can prepare a batch in under an hour, making them a perfect last-minute treat for guests or a quick dessert for family evenings.

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily you can customize it. If you want a holiday-inspired version, add crushed peppermint candies to the dough for a refreshing twist. For a richer taste, swap in dark chocolate chips or chunks. You can even drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies to give them a decorative finish. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly without affecting the texture.

Popular With Many People

Hot Chocolate Cookies are universally appealing. Children love the gooey marshmallow centers, while adults appreciate the deep chocolate flavor. They are a crowd-pleaser at bake sales, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. No matter the setting, these cookies are sure to disappear quickly from any dessert table. Their cozy, nostalgic flavor makes them a recipe that people of all ages enjoy.

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These Hot Chocolate Cookies capture the cozy flavor of a warm mug of hot cocoa in the form of soft, chewy cookies. With gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate chips, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply enjoying with family. Affordable, versatile, and easy to make, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 20
• Cook Time: 12
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, placing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store once cooled.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added, to keep cookies tender.

Chilling the dough prevents excess spreading and enhances flavor.

Cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm to experience the gooey marshmallow centers.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. If you prefer, you can also shape the dough into balls, freeze them, and then bake straight from frozen with just a couple of extra minutes added to the baking time.

How should I store the cookies once baked?

The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, place them in the freezer. When stored in freezer-safe bags or containers, they can last for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven before serving.

Can I make these cookies without marshmallows?

Absolutely. The marshmallows give the cookies their classic hot chocolate touch, but you can leave them out if you prefer. For an alternative, try adding extra chocolate chips or chunks for a fudgier cookie.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is recommended because it helps control spreading during baking. While you can bake the dough right away, chilling for at least 30 minutes ensures the cookies have a chewy center and perfectly set edges.