Hot Chocolate Cookies

Transform your favorite cozy beverage into an irresistible dessert with these incredible Hot Chocolate Cookies! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy chocolate cookie, studded with delightful pockets of melted mini marshmallows. These cookies are a hug in edible form, perfect for chilly evenings or sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

These Hot Chocolate Cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll be baking them again and again:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Whip up a batch of these sensational cookies in under 30 minutes, from mixing bowl to cooling rack.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Every bite offers a delightfully soft and chewy cookie base, truly satisfying your craving.
• Gooey Marshmallow Surprises: Experience the magic of melted, pockets of sweet mini marshmallows in the heart of each cookie.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: Infused with both cocoa powder and hot chocolate mix, these cookies deliver a double dose of deep, comforting chocolate.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite: Children and adults alike will adore these fun, marshmallow-filled treats.
• Ideal for Any Season: While perfect for winter, these sweet cookies bring a touch of joy any time of year.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: You likely have most of what you need already in your kitchen, making them an accessible baking project.

Ingredients Needed for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cookies. Here’s what you’ll need, complete with handy dual measurements:

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening, which helps create that wonderfully soft and tender crumb.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, for the perfect balance of sweetness.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature to easily emulsify into the batter.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract, enhancing all the chocolate notes.
• 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour, measured correctly for the right consistency.
• 1/2 cup (48g) unsweetened cocoa powder, choose a good quality one for deep chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda, our leavening agent for soft cookies.
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt, to balance the sweetness and deepen flavors.
• 1 cup (150g) hot chocolate mix (powder), which adds extra chocolatey depth and a hint of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (25g) mini marshmallows, these will melt into glorious gooey pockets.

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Essential Equipment for Hot Chocolate Cookies

While you don’t need a professional kitchen, having the right tools makes baking these hot chocolate cookies a breeze. Here are the must-haves and why they matter:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Crucial for thoroughly creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light and airy dough.
• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for consistent, perfect results every time.
• Baking Sheets: Non-greased sheets are specified, but a silicone mat or parchment paper can ensure easy release.
• Rubber Spatula: Essential for gently folding in marshmallows and scraping down the sides of bowls.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring even cooling.

Recipe Overview for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Get ready to bake! Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect for these marvelous hot chocolate cookies:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Hot Chocolate Cookies

Creating these delightful hot chocolate cookies is incredibly straightforward and fun, with just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results:

1. STEP 1: PREP THE OVEN AND CREAM THE FATS
   • Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly ready when your dough is.
   • In a spacious large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, shortening, and granulated sugar.
   • Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is visibly light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes, incorporating air for a tender cookie.
2. STEP 2: ADD WET INGREDIENTS
   • Into the creamed mixture, crack in the eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure full incorporation and a smooth batter.
   • Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract, lending a beautiful aroma and depth of flavor to your dough.
3. STEP 3: COMBINE DRY INGREDIENTS
   • In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and the hot chocolate mix. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of unmixed leavening or salt.
4. STEP 4: MIX AND FOLD THE MARSHMALLOWS
   • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed with your electric mixer until the ingredients are just combined. Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies.
   • With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the mini marshmallows. Be careful not to crush them; you want those distinct pockets of gooey goodness.
5. STEP 5: SCOOP AND BAKE TO PERFECTION
   • Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough, about 2 tablespoons each, onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Leave ample space between each drop to allow for spreading during baking.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly set and the centers still appear slightly soft and gooey from the melted marshmallows.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Troubleshooting Tip: If your cookies spread too much, your butter might have been too soft or your oven not quite hot enough. Consider chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking next time.

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Tips for Success with Hot Chocolate Cookies

Elevate your baking game with these expert tips, ensuring your hot chocolate cookies turn out perfectly every single time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, shortening, and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly, creating a uniform, airy dough.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour, leading to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Avoid Overbaking: These cookies are best when slightly underbaked, leaving them with a soft, gooey center. The edges should be set, but the middle should still look a bit soft.
• Quality Hot Chocolate Mix: The flavor of your hot chocolate mix will shine through, so use one you genuinely enjoy drinking.

Variations & Substitutions for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Feel free to get creative with your hot chocolate cookies! Here are some ideas to customize them to your taste or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter alternatives and dairy-free chocolate mix. Ensure your shortening is also dairy-free.
• Add More Chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white) along with the marshmallows for an extra chocolate boost.
• Peppermint Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients, or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top immediately after baking.
• Larger Marshmallows: If you don’t have mini marshmallows, cut larger marshmallows into smaller pieces before folding them in.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Chocolate Cookies

These hot chocolate cookies are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a comforting beverage or a delightful topping:

• Classic Milk Pairing: A tall, cold glass of milk is the quintessential companion to these warm, chocolatey treats.
• The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Experience: Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for a meta, doubly indulgent delight.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates an incredible hot and cold contrast with the warm, gooey cookies.
• Coffee Break: Enjoy one with your morning or afternoon coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other cookies and treats for an impressive spread.

Health Benefits of Hot Chocolate Cookies

While cookies are generally a treat, these hot chocolate cookies offer a moment of comfort and joy. Indulging in moderation can be part of a balanced lifestyle, contributing to your overall well-being:

• Mood Booster: The rich chocolate and sweet marshmallows can release endorphins, providing a comforting and satisfying emotional boost.
• Energy Source: The carbohydrates from sugar and flour offer a quick burst of energy, perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
• Antioxidants from Cocoa: Unsweetened cocoa powder contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that may offer various health benefits.
• Mindful Indulgence: Enjoying a homemade treat mindfully can reduce stress and increase feelings of contentment.

Storage & Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

Keep your hot chocolate cookies fresh and delicious with these simple storage and reheating tips:

• Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, flash freeze baked and cooled cookies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked gooeyness, warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Chocolate Cookies

Curious about perfecting your hot chocolate cookies? Here are some common questions readers often ask:

Can I omit the shortening and use all butter?

Yes, you can use all butter (1 cup total), but note that the texture of the cookies will change. They might spread a bit more and be slightly less chewy than with the butter-shortening combination. Shortening helps create a softer, more tender crumb and prevents excessive spreading.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! If you only have large marshmallows, simply cut them into smaller, mini-marshmallow-sized pieces before folding them into the dough. This ensures they distribute well and create those delightful gooey pockets without being too overpowering.

Why are my hot chocolate cookies flat?

Several factors can cause flat cookies: your butter and shortening might have been too soft (verging on melted), your oven temperature might be too low, or you might have overmixed the dough. Ensure your fats are softened, not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freezing cookie dough is a great make-ahead option! Scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What type of hot chocolate mix works best?

Any good quality powdered hot chocolate mix will work beautifully. Choose a brand you enjoy the flavor of. If your mix is very sweet, you might consider slightly reducing the granulated sugar in the recipe, though the recipe is balanced as is with most standard mixes.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved these hot chocolate cookies, you’ll surely enjoy these other delightful recipes:

• The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Dessert Recipe – Crackly on the outside, fudgy on the inside – a classic chocolate lover’s dream!
• Easy Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, nutty, and infused with sweet maple, these shortbread cookies are simply divine.
• Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies – Bright and zesty, these lemon cookies are a refreshing treat with a perfect chew.

Conclusion

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a comforting, joyful experience, brimming with rich chocolate flavor and irresistible gooey marshmallows. We hope you and your loved ones cherish every single bite! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes.

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