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!
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.)
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.

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.

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!
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.
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
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.
Video
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.



I made these just now and they turned out perfect and it made about 5 dozens just enough fory cookie exchange for tomorrow! Flad I found this recipe it is definitely a keeeper!!
These cookies look amazing …for right of the oven but what about for later? Do you have to heat up these cookies each time to eat them? Seems like my guests wont get to experience the ooey gooey-ness of the hot chocolate part of this cookie.
Do they need to be served warm?
These cookies look absolutely divine! And maybe a little messy- but my motto is always the messier the better. Do you always refrigerate your dough when you make cookies? I've heard that it helps them to be fluffier. Just wanted to get your thoughts!
http://stefaniandbraedon.blogspot.com
My cookies stuck to the parchment paper.
Hi Alyssa! Chocolate chips would work great in place of chocolate chunks. It will melt into delicious goo, no matter what form the chocolate is in. Enjoy!
Megan
Has anyone tried using semi-sweet chocolate chips in place of the chocolate bars? I don't have the bars on hand but do have chocolate chips.
Hi Haley! This recipe makes approximately 3 dozen cookies!
Megan
How many cookies does this recipe make?
Hi Kendra! These cookies are best fresh, but they are still great the next day (even two days later). They would be a great addition to your Christmas platter!
Megan
are these one of those desserts you have to serve fresh, Im looking for recipes for my Christmas platters I give out and would like to know how they hold up a day or so later
Dough so very sticky, could barley get off spoon and hands, why? Tasted great but prep was a horrible pain.
You are evil in a good way with this recipe.
Thanks, Adrian. You said it perfectly! 🙂
Megan
Iris,
I've made these cookies 10+ times and they are just as amazing cooled the next day. The gooey center is no longer gooey and melted but it is still soft chocolatey. The marshmallow returns to it's original texture (still soft, just not melty), but I love them cooled as much as I do warm. Plus a few seconds in the microwave/oven and they are back to warm and gooey perfection.
How are these after they've cooled? Don't the marshmallows and chocolate harden??
hi, i want to ask. why my cookie doesn't crack on top like in your picture? 🙁 mine have smooth top but not crack and shiny like yours. is there anything wrong?
Hi,
I do these things called Pinterest Treats on my website, and I am definitely featuring this on Monday, 6/24/2013. This looks great, feel free to email me with more of your stuff so I can feature it. I gave you guys full credit, this looks great!
Omy goodness, this looks amazing! Can't wait to try.
Stephanie @ http://www.theblondekitchen.com/
Hi. I made them this weekend for my friends. It's really delicious! They've all loved. Thank you!