Hot Chocolate Cookies: 10 Decadent Treats to Savor

December 2, 2025

Hot Chocolate Cookies have been a cherished recipe in my home, especially during the chilly winter months. Each bite offers a delightful combination of rich cocoa flavors and the sweet surprise of marshmallow bits, reminiscent of cozy evenings spent by the fire. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible, making them a staple during holiday celebrations and family gatherings. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a sweet treat later, these cookies never fail to bring comfort and joy. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Cookies

Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Soft and chewy texture with a gooey center.
Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.
Easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.
Kids will love these chocolate marshmallow cookies.

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Here’s everything you need for these delicious cookies:

1/2 cup butter (softened) – adds richness and flavor.
1/4 cup sugar – for sweetness.
1/4 cup brown sugar – enhances moisture and caramel flavor.
1 egg – binds the ingredients together.
2 tablespoons milk – adds moisture to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla – for a hint of warmth.
1 1/8 cups flour – forms the base of the cookies.
1/3 cup powdered hot cocoa mix – intensifies the chocolate flavor.
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – adds depth to the chocolate.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise.
1/4 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors.
1/2 cup marshmallow bits (plus extra for topping) – adds sweetness and texture.
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping) – for extra chocolatey goodness.

Decadent Hot Chocolate Cookies with melted marshmallows and chocolate chips, perfect for a cozy treat

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase to high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Incorporate the egg, milk, and vanilla into the creamed mixture. Scrape down the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
Step 4: Add the flour, powdered hot cocoa mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low until a smooth dough forms.
Step 5: Gently stir in the marshmallow bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 6: For improved flavor, cover the dough and refrigerate for up to 36 hours (optional but recommended).
Step 7: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the centers remain soft and slightly underdone.
Step 9: Press additional chocolate chips and marshmallow bits onto the tops immediately after baking.
Step 10: Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet; the residual heat will continue cooking them slightly.

Close-up of freshly baked Hot Chocolate Cookies cooling on a wire rack, showing gooey centers and melted chocolate

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Cookies

These tricks guarantee success every time:

Chill the dough for enhanced flavors and texture.
Use high-quality cocoa for richer chocolate flavor.
Don’t overbake; the cookies will firm up as they cool.

What’s the secret to perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies?

The key is to ensure you don’t overmix the dough. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy, just like chewy hot chocolate cookies should be!

Can I make Hot Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Hot Chocolate Cookies?

One common pitfall is overbaking. Keep an eye on them and remember, they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

Best Ways to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies shine when paired with a warm cup of hot cocoa or milk. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They make perfect sweet chocolate treats for holiday parties!

Nutrition Facts for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Per serving (recipe makes 24 cookies):

Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Hot Chocolate Cookies

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Chocolate Cookies

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy gluten-free hot chocolate cookies.

What are some delicious Hot Chocolate Cookie variations?

You can add peppermint extract for a festive twist or incorporate nuts for added crunch. These delicious hot chocolate cookie variations will keep things interesting!

Variations of Hot Chocolate Cookies You Can Try

For a fun twist, consider making vegan hot chocolate cookies by substituting butter with coconut oil and using a flaxseed egg. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, like white chocolate chips, for unique flavor combinations.

Hot Chocolate Cookies: 10 Decadent Treats to Savor

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Fenna Saul
Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat combining rich cocoa flavors, marshmallow bits, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. They are soft and chewy with a gooey center, perfect for cozy moments or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter (softened)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/8 cups flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons)
1/3 cup powdered hot cocoa mix
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup marshmallow bits (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Set your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase to high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate the egg, milk, and vanilla into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula midway to ensure even mixing.
Add the flour, powdered hot cocoa mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low until fully incorporated and a smooth dough forms.
Gently stir in the marshmallow bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
For improved flavor and texture, cover the dough and refrigerate it for up to 36 hours before baking. This step is optional but recommended.
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between for spreading.
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; the centers should remain soft and slightly underdone.
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a few additional chocolate chips and marshmallow bits onto the tops to enhance flavor and appearance.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. The residual heat from the pan will continue cooking the cookies slightly, ensuring a perfect soft texture.