Description
These Hot Chocolate Cookies capture the flavor of real hot cocoa inside a soft, thick, chocolate-studded cookie. They’re simple to make, packed with cozy winter flavor, and perfect for holiday baking or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (see notes)
3/4 cup regular hot cocoa mix (not sugar-free) or 4 individual packets
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup dehydrated marshmallow bits
Instructions
-
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. -
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, then blend in the vanilla until smooth. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. -
Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a thick dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips. Add the marshmallow bits if you’re not chilling the dough, or fold them in after chilling (see notes). -
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. -
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 2 inches apart.
Bake 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are firm and lightly browned. -
Cool and Serve
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Dry Dough Is Normal
This dough is naturally thick and dry. Do not add extra liquid. The final cookies will still bake up soft. - Flour Amount
Use 3 cups for flatter cookies or 3 1/4 cups for cookies that hold more height.
Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level the top for accuracy. - Cocoa Mix
Use a standard hot cocoa mix. Avoid sugar-free mixes, as they change the texture and flavor.
If your cookies look lighter in color, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (dark cocoa powder works well). - Marshmallow Bits
Dehydrated marshmallows work best. Mini marshmallows melt too much and become messy.
If chilling the dough, add the marshmallow bits afterward by pressing them into the scooped dough before baking. - Cocoa Mix with Marshmallows
If you can’t find marshmallow bits, use hot cocoa mixes that include marshmallows. “Marshmallow Lovers” styles often include extra packets.