Snuggly Winter Delight: Cozy Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Winters call for sweet, comforting treats that warm the soul, and these delightful hot chocolate cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia.

Packed with rich cocoa and marshmallow goodness, this recipe brings the beloved winter beverage into a delectable cookie form.

The melted chocolate chips create pockets of gooey decadence that melt in your mouth with each bite.

Soft, chewy, and wonderfully chocolatey, these cookies capture the essence of cozy evenings by the fireplace.

Topped with a sprinkle of mini marshmallows, they offer a playful twist on classic hot chocolate.

Each cookie promises a delightful escape from the cold, inviting you to savor a moment of pure comfort.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible winter treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies Rich

• Softened Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and adds luxurious flavor to cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, depth of flavor, and soft chewiness to cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds aromatic warmth to the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the main structure of the cookie and provides necessary texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and rich dark color to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors in the recipe.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts and melty pockets throughout the cookies.
• Marshmallows: Creates the signature hot chocolate inspired topping with gooey, pillowy texture.

Tools That Help You Nail That Cocoa Cookie Texture

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly and creaming butter with sugars.
• Separate mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients together before combining with wet mixture.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps cream butter and sugar quickly and create a fluffy texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

How to Bake Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows

• Warm Up Your Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees and grab two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

• Mix the Dough

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend butter, sugars until they become super fluffy and light. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla, stirring until everything looks smooth and dreamy. In another bowl, whisk cocoa, flour, baking soda, and salt together. Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Toss in chocolate chips for extra yumminess.

• Shape and Bake Cookie Balls

Scoop out small dough balls and roll them between your palms. Place cookie rounds on prepared sheets, giving each one some breathing room. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 minutes.

• Add Marshmallow

Pull cookies out and press a marshmallow half right into the center of each warm cookie. Return to oven for another 2-3 minutes until marshmallows look puffy and slightly melted.

• Cool and Devour

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy these hot chocolate inspired treats while they’re warm or at room temperature!

Extra Chocolate Ideas to Mix Into the Dough

• Press marshmallows gently into warm cookies to create a gooey, melty center that mimics the classic hot chocolate experience.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for quick and easy baking.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies for an extra indulgent touch that elevates the classic recipe.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a delicious vegan-friendly version of these hot chocolate cookies.

Presenting These Cookies for Cozy Gatherings

• Cozy Campfire Companion: Pair these decadent cookies with a steaming mug of classic hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Create a stunning cookie display with different chocolate-based treats, adding variety and visual appeal to your gathering.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cooled hot chocolate cookies for an indulgent summer twist.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in a festive holiday tin or wrap in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon for a delightful homemade gift that spreads sweet cheer.

Keep Cookies Soft with These Storage Ideas

• Seal these delightful cookies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each batch. They'll stay scrumptious for 4-5 days when refrigerated, maintaining their soft marshmallow charm.
• Carefully wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in freezer-safe wrap or ziplock bags. Frozen cookies remain delectable for up to 3 months, ready to thaw at room temperature within 30-45 minutes.
• Before baking, create cookie dough balls and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for quick future baking. Simply add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time when baking directly from frozen state.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. At normal room conditions, they'll maintain excellent texture and taste for 2-3 days, perfect for casual snacking or unexpected guests.

FAQs

• What makes the marshmallow special in this recipe?

The marshmallow creates a gooey, soft center that mimics the classic hot chocolate experience, melting slightly when baked to give a rich, creamy texture to the cookie.

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to customize the flavor profile of your hot chocolate cookies.

• Is it necessary to use both brown and granulated sugar?

The combination of brown and granulated sugar helps create a more complex flavor and provides a softer, chewier texture to the cookies. Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar helps with crispness.

• How do I ensure my cookies don't spread too much during baking?

Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps prevent excessive spreading and maintains the cookie’s shape during baking.

Cozy Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Rich Hot Chocolate Cookies blend winter comfort with chocolate indulgence. Gooey marshmallow centers and deep cocoa flavors create a delightful seasonal treat for warm gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (180 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 12 large marshmallows, cut in half

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Instructions

1. Thermal Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal heat circulation and cookie release.
2. Butter Fusion: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, developing a caramelized flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Integration: Blend egg and vanilla extract into butter mixture until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
4. Dry Component Composition: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure uniform seasoning.
5. Dough Assembly: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, gently incorporating chocolate chips to distribute intense chocolate notes throughout the dough.
6. Cookie Formation: Scoop and roll dough into uniform spheres, positioning them strategically on prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing for expansion.
7. Marshmallow Intervention: Bake for 8 minutes, then carefully embed marshmallow halves into cookie centers, creating a decadent topographical landscape.
8. Final Baking Stage: Return cookies to oven for 2-3 minutes, allowing marshmallows to transform into golden-edged, puffy embellishments.
9. Cooling Protocol: Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets before transferring to wire rack, ensuring perfect texture and preventing over-cooking.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal cookie texture and even mixing.
• Cocoa Powder Precision: Sift cocoa powder to eliminate clumps and guarantee a smooth, consistent chocolate flavor throughout the dough.
• Marshmallow Placement Technique: Press marshmallows gently halfway into partially baked cookies to prevent complete melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Storage Strategy: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their soft, chewy consistency and prevent moisture loss.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg