Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

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If you’ve ever wished to cozy up with a warm mug of hot chocolate in cookie form, then this Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the perfect blend of rich chocolate, tender cookie dough, and a gooey marshmallow surprise melting in your mouth with every bite. Plus, the smooth cocoa glaze and festive sprinkles bring that holiday cheer right to your kitchen, making these cookies irresistible any time of the year. Once you try this recipe, these soft, chocolatey delights will become your go-to treat for sharing or simply indulging in a sweet moment just for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cookie bursting with chocolate flavor and dreamily soft texture. Each component plays an important role, from the butter that keeps the dough tender to the marshmallows that deliver that classic hot cocoa feel.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture while helping create a tender crumb.
• Semi-sweet chocolate (1 1/2 cup): Gives deep, chocolatey notes essential for that hot cocoa taste.
• Flour (1 1/2 cup): Provides structure to the cookies to hold everything together just right.
• Cocoa powder (1/4 cup plus extra): Boosts the chocolate intensity and the beautiful dark color.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoon): Helps give the cookies a slight lift and soft texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the chocolate flavor.
• Brown sugar (1 1/4 cup): Adds moisture with a subtle caramel undertone for depth.
• Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients together and provide richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Large marshmallows (12, cut in half): The star topping that melts into gooey, melty pockets on baked cookies.
• Powdered sugar (2 cup): Used for a smooth, glossy icing to finish the cookies perfectly.
• Melted unsalted butter (4 Tablespoons): Blends into the icing for richness and shine.
• Half and half (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess to the cocoa glaze topping.
• Christmas sprinkles: Bring a festive, colorful pop that makes these cookies party-ready.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Chocolate

Start by gently melting the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together in a double boiler. Stir often until smooth and silky. This mixture sets the rich chocolate base that will make your cookies irresistibly luscious.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures the leavening and chocolate powder are evenly distributed to create a uniform bake.

Step 3: Beat Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

Using a stand mixer on low speed, beat the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract just until combined. This step incorporates air and dissolves the sugar slightly, setting up a light yet chewy cookie texture.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Mixture

Pour the cooled butter-chocolate blend into the sugar and egg mixture. Mix gently until it’s all unified for that deep, chocolate-rich batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix only until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps your cookies tender.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Scoop the brownie-like dough into a bowl, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for about 4 hours. Chilling firms up the dough so it’s easier to shape and helps develop flavor.

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.

Step 8: Shape Your Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to portion dough into balls, then roll them gently in your hands for smooth spheres. This keeps the cookies uniform, helping them bake consistently.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the lined sheet—cookies will spread a little. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until just set but still soft.

Step 10: Marshmallow Magic

While baking, cut your large marshmallows in half. When cookies come out of the oven, press half a marshmallow into the center of each warm cookie and pop them back into the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is what makes the cookies amazingly gooey and reminiscent of hot cocoa.

Step 11: Cool on Wire Rack

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool briefly on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling here prevents sogginess and helps the marshmallows set just right.

Step 12: Create the Cocoa Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, cocoa powder, half and half, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and drizzle-ready. This luscious glaze adds a shiny finish and extra chocolate flavor that’s impossible to resist.

Step 13: Decorate with Sprinkles

Drizzle each cookie with the glaze, then sprinkle Christmas sprinkles on top while the icing is still wet to give your Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe a festive, eye-catching flair perfect for any celebration.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing these cookies with extra mini marshmallows or a light dusting of cocoa powder amps up their hot cocoa vibe. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce for a special touch that complements the chocolate and marshmallow flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence. They pair wonderfully with cozy drinks and even a small bowl of whipped cream or fresh berries for a balance of sweet and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies in a festive tin or on a pretty platter decorated with pine sprigs or holiday ornaments for the season. You can also stack them with parchment paper layers and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift presentation that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe leftovers keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This maintains their softness and prevents the marshmallow topping from becoming too sticky or hard.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough. For best results, freeze dough balls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven. This revives the gooey marshmallow topping and softens the cookie without drying it out, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and creamier, which works beautifully if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor. Just be sure to melt it gently as it has a lower melting point than semi-sweet.

What if I don’t have half and half for the glaze?

You can substitute with an equal amount of whole milk or heavy cream. Whole milk will make a slightly thinner glaze, while heavy cream will make it richer and thicker. Adjust powdered sugar as needed for consistency.

Why is chilling the dough important for this recipe?

Chilling firms up the dough so it’s easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading during baking. It also helps deepen the chocolate flavor and improves the cookie’s final texture to be delightfully chewy and tender.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large marshmallows?

Mini marshmallows can be used, but since they melt faster and are smaller, you might want to add them after baking rather than pressing them in and returning to the oven. This keeps that gooey center effect intact.

How do I make the cookies more festive for holiday parties?

Besides the Christmas sprinkles, you can add colored sugar crystals or edible glitter to the glaze before it sets. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough once chilled or stack the cookies with a few in between layers of festive tissue paper for a standout presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe truly captures the warmth and comfort of a steaming cup of hot chocolate in cookie form. They’re easy to make, delightfully chocolatey, and the marshmallow surprise brings joy with every bite. I encourage you to try out this recipe soon — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to add some sweetness to your day or special occasion!

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