Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Hot chocolate cookies bring all the cozy flavors of your favorite winter drink into one irresistible bite. These soft, chewy cookies are loaded with hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, chunks of chocolate, and gooey marshmallows that make every bite taste like a warm hug on a cold day.

I still remember the first time I made these cookies on a snowy Saturday afternoon when my kids were begging for something sweet. The house filled with the most incredible chocolate aroma, and within 20 minutes, we had warm, gooey hot chocolate cookies straight from the oven. What makes this recipe so special is how it captures that classic hot cocoa experience without any chilling time required. The combination of hot chocolate mix and cocoa powder creates an incredibly rich chocolate flavor, while the mini marshmallows add that authentic hot chocolate touch. These chocolate cookies are perfect for satisfying those last-minute sweet cravings or impressing guests at holiday gatherings.

Everything You Need for These Chocolate Delights

I always recommend using room temperature butter for the best creamy texture and high-quality hot chocolate mix for maximum flavor impact. Pro tip: I prefer using unsweetened natural cocoa powder to avoid making the cookies too sweet.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup hot chocolate mix (about 4 packets)
• 1/4 cup natural cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (1.5 cups), coarsely chopped, divided
• 1 cup mini marshmallows, divided

For the best results, I always bring my butter to room temperature about an hour before baking, and I recommend using good-quality chocolate that you’d enjoy eating on its own.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

I recommend preheating your oven first so it’s ready when you finish mixing the dough. This ensures your hot chocolate cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect chewy texture.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating on low until incorporated. Don’t overmix at this stage.

Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and beat until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chopped chocolate and 1/2 cup mini marshmallows. The dough will be thick and chocolatey.

Step 6: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out 2 tablespoons of dough. Roll into balls with your hands and place on lined baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (6-8 cookies per sheet).

Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges just start to brown. Don’t overbake – the centers may not look completely done but will continue cooking while cooling.

Step 8: Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Carefully press remaining 1/2 cup chopped chocolate and 1/2 cup mini marshmallows into tops of warm cookies.

Step 9: Transfer to wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Pro tip: The key to perfect hot chocolate cookies is not overbaking them. They should still look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven.

Perfect Pairings for Your Chocolate Treats

These rich hot chocolate cookies pair beautifully with beverages and desserts that complement their warm, cozy flavors.

Cold Milk: The classic combination that balances the rich chocolate sweetness with creamy coolness.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Creates a double dose of hot chocolate flavor with a refreshing minty twist.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy vanilla provides a perfect temperature and flavor contrast to the warm, chocolatey cookies.

Coffee or Espresso: The slight bitterness of coffee enhances the chocolate flavors and makes for an perfect afternoon treat.

Warm Spiced Cider: The warm spices in cider complement the cozy hot chocolate flavors beautifully during fall and winter months.

More Delicious Treats to Complete Your Holiday Menu

These warm and gooey hot chocolate cookies pair beautifully with other festive treats that capture the magic of the holiday season. For an elegant dessert spread, try our rich Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles alongside these cookies – the bright citrus notes create a perfect flavor contrast to the deep chocolate and marshmallow sweetness.

When hosting holiday gatherings, serve these cookies as dessert after enjoying savory appetizers like our impressive Cranberry Pecan Brie in Flaky Puff Pastry, delicate Herb and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry Bites, or hearty Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese. For a complete meal experience, consider pairing with lighter options like our protein-packed Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread, comforting Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, or flavorful BBQ Chicken Flatbread.

Smart Storage Solutions for Maximum Freshness

Store your hot chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their soft, chewy texture. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to one month, though they may lose some of their signature chewiness.

For reheating, I recommend warming individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness. The marshmallows will soften beautifully and the chocolate will become slightly melty again.

Pro tip: You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. For unbaked dough, freeze the shaped balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Common Questions About These Chocolate Cookies

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