These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are always a hit! Made with real hot cocoa, they bring the cozy flavors of winter right to your kitchen. Perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings, these cookies combine the rich taste of chocolate with a delightful marshmallow twist. Everyone will love indulging in these treats at Christmas parties or cozy nights in.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
Rich Flavor – The combination of hot cocoa mix and chocolate chips creates a deep chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday party or a simple family gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.
Great for Sharing – With 36 servings, they’re ideal for cookie exchanges or gifting to neighbors and friends.
Fun Texture – The addition of Mallow Bits adds a unique chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft cookie base.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Standing mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Baking sheets
Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
Wire racks

Importance of Each Tool

Standing mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Mixing bowls – Essential for separating dry and wet ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
Baking sheets – Provide an even surface for baking, preventing cookies from sticking and burning.

Ingredients

These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are always a hit! Made with real hot cocoa, this is always a popular winter or Christmas cookie and is perfect for cookie exchanges.

For the Dough

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

For the Flavor

4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups hot cocoa mix – NOT SUGAR FREE VERSIONS)
1 teaspoon salt

For Leavening

1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Mix-ins

1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows do not work the same and can be a bit of a sticky mess)

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with a standing mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl combine all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
Gradually beat the dry mixture into the butter mixture until blended.
Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, placing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies will surely impress.

With a Glass of Milk

Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances the chocolatey flavor and adds creaminess. It’s a classic combination that everyone loves!

As Part of a Dessert Platter

Arrange your Hot Chocolate Cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other treats. This creates an inviting display for guests during holiday parties.

Warm with Ice Cream

Serve your cookies warm straight from the oven topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream complements the warm cookie perfectly.

Gift Them in a Jar

Layer Hot Chocolate Cookies in a mason jar and tie it with a ribbon for a charming gift. This is great for neighbors or as party favors during the holiday season.

At Cookie Exchanges

Bring these cookies to cookie exchanges. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and stand out among other offerings.

How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

To ensure your Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out until they reach room temperature. This helps create that light and fluffy texture when combined.
Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading while baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
Don’t skip the Mallow Bits: These tiny marshmallows melt beautifully, adding that signature hot chocolate flavor. Avoid using mini marshmallows, as they don’t provide the same effect.
Rotate baking sheets: For even baking, rotate your sheets halfway through the baking time. This ensures all cookies bake uniformly.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

When it comes to serving Hot Chocolate Cookies, some side dishes can enhance the experience even more. Here are some great options to consider:

Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa makes for the perfect beverage pairing, enhancing the cookie’s chocolate flavor.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Incorporate soft cheeses like Brie or cream cheese for an unexpected yet delightful pairing.
Nuts and Dried Fruit: Offer a mix of nuts and dried fruits for added texture and flavor complexity alongside your cookies.
Christmas Tea: A spiced Christmas tea pairs well, adding warmth and comfort to your dessert experience.
Marshmallow Dip: Serve marshmallow dip as an indulgent side for dipping cookies into something gooey and sweet.
Mini Pies: Small pies such as pecan or apple can complement the chocolatey goodness with their own unique flavors.
Biscotti: For those who love crunch, biscotti is another delicious option to enjoy with your Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hot Chocolate Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls that can ruin your batch.

Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape of the cookies. If you skip this, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
Using sugar-free hot cocoa mix – Sugar-free versions can alter the texture and flavor of your cookies. Always opt for regular hot cocoa mix for the best results.
Not measuring ingredients properly – Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get it right.
Overbaking the cookies – Keep an eye on them as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. They should be just lightly browned on the edges when done.
Ignoring ingredient temperature – Using room temperature butter is essential for creating a fluffy mixture. Cold butter won’t blend well and will affect the final texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container.
They will last for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a cozy treat.
Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of Mallow Bits?

Using mini marshmallows is not recommended as they melt differently and create a sticky mess. Stick with Mallow Bits for best results.

How do I make Hot Chocolate Cookies gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What other add-ins can I include in Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts, crushed peppermint candies, or different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookie experience!

How should I store leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer softer cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Try this recipe and enjoy the cozy comfort of warm chocolatey goodness!

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Hot Chocolate Cookies

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of winter with these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies, perfect for any festive gathering or cozy night in. Infused with real hot cocoa mix, each cookie is a rich chocolate treat that features a unique twist of Mallow Bits—tiny marshmallows that melt beautifully to enhance the overall flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange or simply craving a sweet snack, this recipe is easy to follow and yields 36 mouthwatering cookies. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, warm from the oven, or as part of a dessert platter at your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup softened butter
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

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Instructions

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars using a standing mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on sheets for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American