These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the cozy flavors of winter right to your kitchen. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging on a chilly evening, these cookies are made with real hot cocoa mix, giving them a rich chocolate flavor and a soft, chewy texture. With marshmallow bits adding a fun twist, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of hot cocoa and chocolate chips creates an irresistible taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, a cozy winter night, or a cookie swap, these cookies fit right in.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats without stress.
- Fun Texture: The addition of Mallow Bits gives the cookies a unique chewiness that pairs perfectly with the soft dough.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Hot Chocolate Cookies, gather the essential tools. These items will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheets
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes it easy to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups hot cocoa mix – NOT SUGAR FREE VERSIONS)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows do not work the same)
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Step 1: Beat the Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, use the stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix well until combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture until well blended.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Mallow Bits
- Stir in the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Step 6: Cool Down
- Once baked, allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the colder months. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will make your cookies even more special.
With a Warm Beverage
- Pair with Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate to enhance the cozy experience.
- Coffee Companion: A strong cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it an excellent pairing.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats for an inviting display.
- Gift Boxes: Package cookies in decorative boxes to share as gifts during cookie exchanges or holiday parties.
For a Cozy Movie Night
- Movie Snack: Serve these cookies as a sweet treat during your favorite holiday movie marathon for a fun and cozy night in.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches, adding a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream in between.
How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies
To ensure your Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Use Quality Cocoa Mix: Choose a rich hot cocoa mix for better flavor; avoid sugar-free versions as they may alter the texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing it down.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; remove them when edges are slightly browned for the best texture.
- Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness for several days.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies
Complement your Hot Chocolate Cookies with these delicious side dishes that enhance your dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creamy richness to your cookie experience.
- Whipped Cream: A light, airy topping that can be dolloped onto each cookie or served alongside.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fruits provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Cheese Plate: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor, making them a great snack alongside the cookies.
- Hot Apple Cider: A warm drink that complements the chocolate flavors perfectly, especially during winter months.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hot Chocolate Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong cocoa mix – Not all hot cocoa mixes work well in baking. Always choose a mix that is not sugar-free to achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling your cookie dough is essential. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking and lose their shape.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Overpacking flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can alter the outcome of your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate for perfect results.
- Overbaking – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are lightly browned; they will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds until warm, but avoid overheating as it may make them tough.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes until they reach your desired temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to use dark or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for different flavors.
How can I make my Hot Chocolate Cookies more festive?
Add sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies on top before baking for a holiday touch!
What if I don’t have Mallow Bits?
You can try using mini marshmallows, but keep in mind they may not melt as well as Mallow Bits do.
How do I know when my Hot Chocolate Cookies are done?
Look for lightly browned edges; the center may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Chocolate Cookies are sure to bring joy during wintertime festivities or cozy nights at home. With their rich cocoa flavor and gooey chocolate bits, they make an irresistible treat. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or different flavored chips!
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate winter treat, blending the rich flavors of hot cocoa and chocolate chips into a soft, chewy delight. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or cookie exchanges, these cookies feature marshmallow bits that add a fun texture to every bite. Easy to make with simple ingredients, even novice bakers can create this indulgent dessert that will warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings. Follow this straightforward recipe to bring a taste of winter magic into your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix (NOT SUGAR FREE)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mallow Bits
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, beat softened butter with sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add to the butter mixture until blended.
- Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits. Cover dough and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them two inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on sheets for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
