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.
Is there a video on how to do this?
Good question. This is not up on the Pip and Ebby app (yet) but if there’s a specific question I can answer for you, please let me know!
These are perfect for my 12 year old’s upcoming birthday party! We are having a bit of a chocolate theme. Might test a batch out before the big event though just to make sure it all comes out perfect. They look so delectable!! Just gotta whip up some party decor with my die cutter and wha-la – a beautiful chocolate overload party haha!
Well, make sure the "test" cookies are available while you die cut and it’ll make all the hard work easier. Enjoy the party – it sounds like the perfect treat for the kiddos!
Man these look absolutely DIVINE! And I don’t mean like I would worship them or anything, but I would definitely consume waaaay too many if they were put in front of me. If there’s one thing I love more than t-shirt crafts, it’s t-shirt crafts with chocolate biscuits!
Not over consuming treats is a full time job. I hope you give them a try and then share a few so you can try another kind!
I made these tonight and they are YUMMY!! But we have an issue.. I placed them 3-4 inches apart INSTEAD OF THE 2 INCHES. and they turned into one big flat pan like super thin brownies.. taste great but did not make a "cookie" and did not crack.. What happened?! I thought maybe the 1 1/2 cup flour wasnt enough maybe? I did not add anything …. I followed recipe 100% but after about 5 mins in the oven it was just a flat sheet of dough? any ideas how to get them to not spread into one huge pan?
Hi Jessica! I’ve never had this problem with these cookies, but baking can be so finicky. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda next time and hopefully that keeps the cookies from spreading all over the place. I’m glad they tasted good!
Megan
Are these able to be kept in the freezer?
Hi MG! The dough will keep well in the freezer, but I’m not sure how well the marshmallows will take being frozen. I’ve never tried! If you do, will you please let me know how they fare?! Best of luck!!
Megan
Hi megan! A quick question: Does the recipe requieres 2 1sticks of unsalted butter or just one? Thanks! Absolutely will try to do this
Hi Karime! Just one stick of butter for this recipe! Sorry, looks like I pasted it twice in the recipe but it’s fixed now. I hope you enjoy them!
Megan
These look an awful lot like those molten chocolate cakes you can get at Dominos… except I’m sure these are like 100 times better.
I’m in the middle of making these and I just realized I’m out of brown sugar! Can I reheat the chocolate mixture if I have to let it sit for a few hours?
It might be tough to reheat, but you can certainly try! Let me know how it goes!
M
these look amazing. I can't wait to make them!!
I love the pictures! So yummy! <3
These are the cutest cookies ever! The best part is they are easy to make and taste amazing.
Thanks!
Emma it does say, 3 eggs at room temp. Hope that helps!
The instructions say to beat eggs with sugar and vanilla, but the ingredient list doesn't include them. How many eggs?
BEST COOKIES EVER! Thank you so much! I made these last year for Christmas, and I am back for more. Truly an amazing cookie. You are a genius. 🙂
Oh my god! I wish I could have licked the screen! :p
Oh wow… These look absolutely heavenly!!!
Hi, these cookies are amazing looking! I do wish you had a complete ingredient list in one place. I'm making them today for a get together and have no idea how much chocolate to buy; or how many cookies these will make? I guess I'll buy lots and hope I have extras.
I just ate my second one of these as they are cooling. SO GOOD. I'm not usually a big chocolate cookie fan, much prefer chocolate chip, but this cookie is really good. My only warning to others is to make sure you don't cut your chocolate too big. Mine were a bit big and thick, and it kind of overwhelms the cookie. Also, I used milk chocolate and mini marshmallows, because that was what we had in the house. Turned out fine.
They are fantastic the next day! The chocolate in the center gets hard but the cookies stay chewy! Everyone I've given them to has LOVED them.
Been making these cookies for a year now and they don't even make it off the cookie sheet before people are eating tthem. I didn't use all the batter. How long does to stay good for ?