Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (2024)

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This Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe is like having a cup of hot cocoa, except in cookie form. Chocolate oozes from the centers of these marshmallow-topped treats. These rich cookies are perfect for holiday parties and dessert trays!

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (1)

Why This Recipe Works

I’m super excited to share a brand new cookie recipe with you later this week, but for now you are going to LOVE this updated recipe for the irresistible Hot Cocoa Cookies.

These Hot Cocoa Cookies were one of the first cookies I put up on my blog a million years ago and it is one of the best cookies my lips have ever met. (This is say a lot considering the whole Cookie Remix ordeal.)

Watch The Web Story For Hot Cocoa Cookies!

Make a batch of hot cocoa in cookie form for your holiday cookie exchange!

How To Make Hot Cocoa Cookies

A comforting batch of cookies to nibble on when its cold and you want to think about being warm and enjoy eating a cookie!

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and 6 oz. chopped chocolate, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Set aside.

Step 2

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine the brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Add the chocolate mixture and beat until just combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the batter and beat on medium speed until just combined.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.

Step 4

While chilling the dough, preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (2)

Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet, flattening slightly using fingers.

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Bake until the tops of the cookies begin to crinkle, 10-11 minutes.

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Step 5

Gently press one square of baking chocolate into the center of each cookie, followed by a marshmallow half. Bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until marshmallows are soft and puffy.

The melted chocolate will hold the gooey marshmallow. Top with grated chocolate.

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Recipe Notes

  • Make sure you refrigerate the batter for a minimum of 1 hour before rolling into balls and baking. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP!
  • Use whole regular-sized marshmallows in a pinch, but if the jumbo variety is available please-oh-please use them.
  • For a more economical cookie, consider replacing the baking chocolate with equal amounts of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Replace the large marshmallow you place on top of each cookie with a few mini marshmallows or marshmallow bits.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to the batter for an even more flavorful and delicious cookie.

Salted Butter vs Unsalted Butter

Ahh, the great baking debate. Many bakers use unsalted butter in their baked goods in order to avoid over-salting. I, however, believe that there is no such thing as “over-salting.”

I always use salted butter in my baked goods (and for everything else under the sun) because it gives everything I make an extra touch of salty deliciousness.

If you go the unsalted route, keep in mind that you may need to add a bit extra salt to the recipe!

Why Are My Cookies Flat

If your cookies are coming out of the oven looking flat, you either haven’t used the appropriate leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda) or you have used too little flour.

If the cookies are flat and greasy, you may have used too much butter. Follow baking recipes very closely to avoid making flat cookies!

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How To Keep Cookies Soft

For optimal cookie softness, allow them to cool completely after coming out of the oven and store as stated in the directions. Some cookies store best in the fridge while others store well while covered at room temperature.

Can You Freeze Cookie Dough

Cookie dough is PERFECT for freezing! It’s one of the things I love most about it. Place prepared cookie dough into a resealable freezer bag and press as much air out as possible.

Freeze for up to six months. When you are ready to make the cookies, allow the dough to thaw completely in the fridge overnight then bake as directed.

How To Clean Cookie Sheets

If you have extra grimy cookie sheets, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface and cover with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 1 hour and scrub the surface using a dish scrubber. Wash with dish soap!

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate

Chocolate and cocoa products can kill a dog if eaten in large enough quantities. Theobromine is the part of chocolate that dogs are unable to metabolize which can build up in their systems and die as a result.

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Holiday Baking Recipes

  • These delicious Chewy Gingersnaps are the perfect chewy treat. Plus they are super easy to make. Flavored with molasses and spices and the finishing touch – topped with simple icing!
  • These delicious, sugary pecan balls SCREAM Christmas! Pecans and just 4 additional ingredients are rolled into a soft cloud of powdered sugar to create cookies that are light and delicious.
  • This Baileys Irish Cream recipe tastes like a replica of the popular creamy drink. It is super easy to make and it’s an indulgent winter staple!
  • Say goodbye to boring and hello to sprinkles and color! These Spiral Cookies are fun! Red for Christmas, pink for a girl party or blue for pool-side snacks. They’ll make any occasion brighter and more fun!
  • These are the BEST Gingerbread Cookies you’ll find! Super easy to make and loved by everyone. Great for the holidays!

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Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (7)

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

This Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe is like having a cup of hot cocoa, except in cookie form. Perfect for holiday parties or dessert trays!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 30

Calories: 172kcal

Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter softened
  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate baking squares divided (6 oz for batter, 4 oz cut into 1/2 in squares, 2 oz grated for garnish)
  • 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 15 jumbo marshmallows cut in half lengthwise

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and 6 oz. chopped chocolate, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Set aside.

  • Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the chocolate mixture and beat until just combined.

  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the batter and beat on medium speed until just combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet, flattening slightly using fingers. Bake until the tops of the cookies begin to crinkle, 10-11 minutes.

  • Gently press one square of baking chocolate into the center of each cookie, followed by a marshmallow half. Bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until marshmallows are soft and puffy. Top with grated chocolate.

Notes

  • Make sure you refrigerate the batter for a minimum of 1 hour before rolling into balls and baking. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP!
  • Use whole regular-sized marshmallows in a pinch, but if the jumbo variety is available please-oh-please use them.
  • For a more economical cookie, consider replacing the baking chocolate with equal amounts of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Replace the large marshmallow you place on top of each cookie with a few mini marshmallows or marshmallow bits.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to the batter for an even more flavorful and delicious cookie.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I use hot chocolate instead of cocoa powder in cookies? ›

In short, you can use hot chocolate powder as a cocoa powder substitute in a pinch, but you may not experience the depth of flavour you want. Because most brands of hot chocolate powder include sugar or sweetener, you may wish to reduce the amount of sugar you add to your baking recipe.

How many calories in a hot chocolate cookie? ›

1 cookie: 81 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Are hot cocoa and hot chocolate the same? ›

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

What's the difference between cocoa powder and hot chocolate? ›

Cocoa powder is derived from cocoa beans, which are dried, fermented, then roasted at a high temperature to sweeten the flavor. Hot cocoa has a thin and light consistency, and many instant mixes for hot cocoa may contain additional additives or preservatives.

Can you use hot chocolate for baking? ›

Yes, if you're baking a cake or cookies, or making icing, you can use hot chocolate powder in place of cocoa if you're out of cocoa powder.

What goes with hot chocolate and cookies? ›

Keep things classic by sprinkling the top of your mug with a hefty handful of mini marshmallows, or up the decadence by adding a dollop of whipped cream garnished with crushed cookies or mini chocolate chips.

Is hot chocolate high in calories? ›

It Is High In Calories

While hot chocolate can be a good source of calcium and antioxidants, it is important to remember that it is also high in calories and saturated fat. Depending on the type of milk chocolate used, a single cup of hot chocolate can contain up to 200 calories or more.

What liquor goes well with hot chocolate? ›

What Alcohol Goes Well With Hot Chocolate?
  • Rum: Dark or spiced rum can give your hot chocolate an exciting Caribbean twist. ...
  • Brandy: A shot of brandy can lend an enticing depth of flavour to your hot chocolate. ...
  • Whisky: If you prefer a punchier kick to your hot chocolate, a dose of whisky is the way to go.
Jun 23, 2023

What biscuits go best with hot chocolate? ›

Shortbread Biscuits: A traditional, buttery shortbread biscuit is the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Ideal for dipping. Churros: A Spanish treat, these sugary doughnut-like pastries are fabulous for dunking into your hot chocolate.

Which chocolate is good for hot chocolate? ›

Homemade hot chocolate recipes contain very few ingredients, and the largest ingredient is chocolate, so be picky. Use dark or bittersweet chocolate. Milk chocolate will be too sweet, at least for most European tastebuds.

What is the best cocoa powder for hot cocoa? ›

You could also use oat milk or any dairy-free milk you'd like along with the coconut milk! Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I've tried quite a few!)

Is cocoa powder just hot chocolate? ›

The two products have a basic ingredient in common — cacao — but are processed and blended differently. Hot cocoa is often flat and sweet, while drinking chocolate is rich and complex in flavor, and can be sweetened or unsweetened.

How do you keep hot chocolate hot for a large crowd? ›

Cocoa - If your cocoa is pre-made, serve it in either an insulated carafe or a thermos with a spout. This will keep the hot chocolate warm and make it easy for guests to pour.

Does hot chocolate count as cocoa powder? ›

Terminology. A distinction is sometimes made between "hot cocoa", made from cocoa powder (ground cacao beans from which much of the cocoa butter has been removed), and "hot chocolate", made directly from bar chocolate, which already contains cocoa, sugar, and cocoa butter.

What is a substitute for cocoa powder in baking? ›

Carob Powder: Carob powder is perhaps the most popular cocoa powder substitute, derived from the dried, roasted, and ground pods of the carob tree. It is naturally sweet, with a flavour similar to cocoa but distinct—milder and with a hint of caramel.

Can I use chocolate instead of cocoa powder in baking? ›

In general, a 1-ounce piece of unsweetened chocolate can replace 3 Tbsp. cocoa. Though because your chocolate piece will have oil in it, you might want to try leaving out some of the oil; take out 1 Tbsp. of called-for oil for each ounce of chocolate substituted.

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