Name: Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Butter (softened) – 1 cup; Sugar – 1 cup; Brown Sugar – 2/3 cup; Eggs – 2 large; Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; All-purpose Flour – 3 1/4 cups*; Hot Cocoa Mix – 4 packages (or 3/4 cup) – NOT sugar-free versions; Salt – 1 teaspoon; Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon; Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons; Chocolate Chips – 1 cup; Mallow Bits – 1 cup (mini marshmallows can be used but they can be messy)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are a festive treat that brings the warmth and indulgence of hot cocoa to a deliciously chewy cookie. Made with real hot cocoa mix, they are packed with rich chocolate flavor and marshmallow bits, making them the perfect cookie for winter, Christmas, or cookie exchanges. Easy to make, yet impossible to resist, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Chocolate Cookies take the classic flavors of a cozy cup of hot cocoa and turn them into a mouthwatering, chewy cookie. With a rich chocolate base, bits of gooey marshmallows, and chocolate chips, these cookies will bring back memories of sitting by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to brighten up any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make and always a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

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 cup 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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Mix Butter and Sugars: Beat the softened butter and both sugars in a large bowl with a standing mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add Chocolate Chips and Mallow Bits: Stir in the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits. (Tip: If you are concerned about Mallow Bits melting, consider mixing them in after chilling the dough.)
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. (Chilling for a longer time will improve flavor and texture.)
Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop 2 tablespoons of dough, spaced about 2 inches apart, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies

Variations

Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits.
Double the Cocoa: For an even richer chocolate flavor, stir in a tablespoon of dark cocoa powder into the dough.
Marshmallow Lover: If you prefer a gooier marshmallow bite, gently press additional mini marshmallows onto the top of the cookies right before baking.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use flax eggs or other egg substitutes to make these cookies vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Hot Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness for up to 1 week. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use sugar-free hot cocoa mix?

No, sugar-free hot cocoa mix will not work well in this recipe. It alters the texture and taste of the cookies. Stick with regular hot cocoa mix for the best results.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is important for the best texture and flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can chill it for just 30 minutes. The longer you chill it, the better the cookies will turn out.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Mallow Bits?

Regular mini marshmallows won’t work the same as Mallow Bits. They tend to melt too much during baking, making the dough sticky. Mallow Bits hold their shape better and provide that perfect marshmallow bite in the cookies.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you prefer, you can also freeze the dough and bake the cookies later.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, Hot Chocolate Cookies freeze very well. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

How can I make these cookies softer?

If you prefer a softer cookie, use 3 cups of flour instead of 3 1/4 cups, and avoid overbaking. Pull them out of the oven once the edges are lightly browned to ensure a soft, chewy texture.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

You can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a popular choice, but milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips would work great in this recipe.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them.

Can I add more marshmallows to the dough?

Yes, you can press more Mallow Bits or mini marshmallows into the top of the dough before baking. This will give you extra marshmallow flavor and gooey texture.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check if other ingredients, like the cocoa mix, are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate winter treat, capturing all the cozy flavors of hot cocoa in the form of a chewy, chocolatey cookie. With the perfect balance of chocolate chips, marshmallow bits, and a touch of hot cocoa mix, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to bring comfort and joy!