Hot Cocoa Cookies are like having a cup of hot chocolate, 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!
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.
HOT COCOA COOKIES 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 HOT COCOA 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.
BEST COOKIES FOR HOLIDAY BAKING
Add these delicious cookies to your holiday baking list, too!
- 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 are the BEST Sugar Cookies. They are super easy to make (using only seven ingredients) and they are perfect for decorating. You will never need another sugar cookie recipe again!
- Triple Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint Frosting are already thick and perfect, but Nutella sends them over the edge of perfection. Don’t skip the peppermint buttercream frosting because it transforms them into perfection.
- These Chocolate Kiss Cream Cheese Cookies are a great dessert for gatherings any time of the year. They are light, creamy and sugary, with just the perfect kiss of milk chocolate!
- Oreo Balls are an easy no-bake dessert requiring only three ingredients! This easy dessert is great for the holidays or any time of year. Decorate with colored sprinkles to be festive and match the occasion.
- These are the BEST Gingerbread Cookies you’ll find! Super easy to make and loved by everyone. Great for the holidays!
Hot Cocoa Cookies
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.
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 had a problem with the “dough”. The cookie dough never set into anything that could go in plastic wrap. I had to refrigerate it in the mixing bowl, which is fine but it never got any thicker than brownie mix consistency. That means they it was hard to shape into balls. I had to add flour and then of course that dried them out. I don’t think I’d make these again until the recipe has been tinkered with.
I’m sorry that you had trouble. This dough isn’t the same as a regular cookie dough so it’s not quite brownie batter but not regular chocolate chip cookies either. There are so many variations of ingredients and how everyone makes them, it’s hard to guess why you experienced this starting with the butter and chocolate thickening but I’m sorry! That’s very frustrating.
ohhh my goodess these cookies were amazing Megan! I added some ginger to also give them a Christmas spice 🙂
That’s a great little tweak – thanks for sharing!
Can I make the dough the night before and keep in fridge overnight before baking?
You can! Just let the dough sit out for about 10 minutes and then start rolling and baking!
Mine turned out flat. ?
Oh no! I’m so sorry! Were they tasty but just didn’t rise?
Yes, VERY tasty! I will be trying again for Christmas! Fingers crossed.
I’m sending you best wishes for Christmas and the cookies!!
"14-oz. jar pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6-oz. package pepperoni slices"
Not what I think of when I think Hot Cocao Cookies lol
OMG I see that! I appreciate you bringing that to my attention again. Fixed!!
I did’nt believe that I will do like on the picture. And I did! Thank you. All guests was amazed. I love reading your blog. You’re doing amazing thing.
Muchas Gracias!! I really love hearing you were able to make them and they were enjoyed. You made my day!
Will try this At home.. thank you…..
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Yummy.. Looking very nice i try to make it to my home thanks to share this amazing recipe with us.
Let us know how they turn out – they are delicious!
Wow, these look so amazingly delicious! Would love to make these for an upcoming housewarming party we are throwing for a friend! Thanks for the recipe! https://www.thebestvinylcutter.com
They will be perfect! You’re welcome!
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!
They are super delicious!
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.
I think they are amazing right out of the oven but still have great flavor if you enjoy them the next days too.
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
Cookies hold up nicely if they are stored in an airtight tupperware. Then you could make them up and store them for a few days to a week.
I Love the way you presented this, Instructions are clear, Pictures look awesome.
One of my friends shared this link with me.
Thanks, Megan.
Thank you!
Wow, this looks delicious man. Would appreciate if the recipe is told via Video so that we can also cook like you.
By the way, thanks for this. Appreciate it.
Karen, thank you for the feedback. I am working on adding more videos to my site and also the cooking app shows a lot of how to create recipes too which we are busy adding more and more recipes as well.
Really glad I found this recipe, they look absolutely tasty, and just in time for Father’s Day! 😀
Yes! Thank you – please enjoy each bite. :
I Love the way you presented this, Instructions are clear, Pictures look awesome.
One of my friends shared this link with me.
Thanks, Megan.
Glad to hear it! Please try them out and let me know what you think!
Megan this looks delicious, Can’t wait to try these this weekend. Instructions are well explained.
Thanks
Wow, this looks delicious man. Would appreciate if the recipe is told via Video so that we can also cook like you.
By the way, thanks for this. Appreciate it.
Thanks for the feedback! I’ll take your request under advisement! 🙂
These are going to look great next to my smoked meat for my next BBQ this weekend!
Much appreciated.
You’re welcome Gerry – thanks for trying it out!
Cannot wait to try those yummy cookies!! Thank you for the recipe! Looks soooo delicious!
You are so welcome – enjoy Jen!