Easiest hot chocolate cookies have become my go-to for those moments I need a sweet treat in a flash! Seriously, the magic of a warm mug of hot chocolate, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie, is pure bliss. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; the smell of chocolate filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t believe how simple it was. These cookies are so wonderfully soft and fudgy, it’s like biting into a warm hug. If you’re looking for simple hot chocolate cookies that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort, you’ve found them. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
These cookies are an absolute dream for so many reasons:
- Incredibly quick to put together, perfect for when a craving hits!
- Uses a cake mix, making it a truly foolproof hot chocolate cookie recipe.
- Delivers that rich, decadent hot chocolate flavor in every bite.
- They bake up soft and chewy, exactly how you want a cookie to be.
- Minimal cleanup thanks to the simple ingredient list.
- These are hands-down the best easy hot chocolate cookies you’ll ever make.
- A fantastic beginner hot chocolate cookie recipe for new bakers.
- They’re delightful for holiday baking or just a weeknight treat.
Ingredients for the Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
Whipping up these simple hot chocolate cookies is a breeze with just a few pantry staples. The magic really starts with a Devil’s Food cake mix, which is the secret to how easy chocolate cookie dough comes together so quickly! It provides the perfect chocolatey base and fluffy texture without any fuss.
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box Devil’s Food cake mix – this is your shortcut to amazing flavor and texture!
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil – keeps our cookies wonderfully moist.
- 2 large eggs – they bind everything together for the perfect dough.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – for those delightful little bursts of chocolatey goodness inside.
- 9 large marshmallows, cut in half horizontally – these create that signature gooey, melted center.
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for drizzling – for that final touch of chocolatey elegance.
How to Make the Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
Get ready to bake the absolute simplest, most delicious cookies you’ve ever tried! This quick hot chocolate cookie recipe is truly a game-changer for busy bakers.
- Step 1: Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a win in my book!
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, the oil, and the eggs. Mix everything together until you have a beautifully combined, thick dough. It should look wonderfully rich and fudgy – the start of our amazing cookies!
- Step 3: Now, stir in the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. Make sure they’re nicely distributed throughout the dough so you get a little chocolatey surprise in every bite. This is where the “hot chocolate” magic really starts to happen.
- Step 4: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough at a time. Roll each portion into a smooth, 1-inch ball. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them so they have room to spread.
- Step 5: Gently press one half of a marshmallow, cut side down, into the center of each dough ball. This is the secret to that gooey, molten center that makes these cookies so special.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and the marshmallows are puffy and just starting to turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
- Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before you move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: While your cookies are cooling, it’s time for the drizzle! Melt the 1/3 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until it’s smooth and glossy.
- Step 9: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate artfully over the top of each cookie. This final touch makes them look as good as they taste, completing how to make easy hot chocolate cookies.
Pro Tips for the Best Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
Want to elevate these already amazing cookies? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make these the best easy hot chocolate cookies you’ve ever baked.
- For an extra boost of chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry cake mix. It deepens the chocolate taste without making it taste like coffee!
- When pressing the marshmallow halves, make sure the cut side is facing up. This helps the marshmallow melt and spread more evenly over the cookie.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out, as they’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
What’s the secret to perfect Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies?
The absolute secret to these perfect, gooey cookies is the cake mix base and the strategically placed marshmallow. It’s what makes these hot chocolate cookies so incredibly easy and consistently delicious, no matter your baking skill level.
Can I make Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cookie dough, roll it into balls, and even press the marshmallows in. Store the unbaked dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes pulling off homemade easy hot chocolate cookies even quicker!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies?
The most common pitfall is overbaking, which can dry out the cookies. Watch them closely and remove them when the edges are just set. Also, ensure your marshmallows are fresh; stale marshmallows won’t melt as nicely.
Best Ways to Serve Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
These delightful cookies are practically a dessert on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few other things to make them truly special. Imagine serving these as part of an easy decadent chocolate cookies spread for a party, or simply enjoying one with your favorite beverage. They are perfect alongside a tall, cold glass of milk, which is a classic for a reason. For an extra special treat, try dunking them into a warm mug of actual hot chocolate – talk about a flavor explosion! You can find more delicious recipes at The Recipefy.
Nutrition Facts for Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
When you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both simple and satisfying, these cookies are a fantastic choice. Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Moderate
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Protein: Low
- Carbohydrates: High
- Fiber: Low
- Sugar: High
- Sodium: Moderate
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources on weight loss recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
Once your delicious homemade easy hot chocolate cookies have cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping them tasting fresh. I usually let them sit on the wire rack for at least 30 minutes after baking. Then, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully soft and chewy for about 3 to 4 days this way. If you find yourself with more cookies than you can eat in a week, don’t worry! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their yummy flavor for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to warm them up and bring back that fresh-baked gooeyness. For other great dessert ideas, check out our frozen banana snickers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies?
The real magic behind these cookies, and why they are often called the easiest hot chocolate cookies, is the use of a Devil’s Food cake mix as the base. This genius shortcut provides all the necessary structure and flavor, making them incredibly beginner-friendly and foolproof. Plus, the marshmallow center creates that signature molten “hot chocolate” experience.
Can I make Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally prep the dough balls with the marshmallows ahead of time. Roll them into balls and press in the marshmallows, then place them on a parchment-lined tray and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This makes pulling off homemade easy hot chocolate cookies even quicker when you’re ready to bake! You might also enjoy our turkey meatloaf recipe for a savory option.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies?
The biggest mistake is definitely overbaking! Because they have a marshmallow center, they can look underdone when they’re actually perfect. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set and the marshmallow is puffed. Also, make sure your marshmallows are fresh; stale ones won’t melt as smoothly, ruining that gooey center. For more baking tips, you can refer to general baking advice from reputable sources, such as understanding baking science.
Why are these hot chocolate cookies so easy?
These cookies are so easy because we’re using a boxed cake mix as our primary ingredient. This eliminates the need for creaming butter and sugar, measuring multiple dry ingredients like flour and leavening agents, and worrying about ratios. It streamlines the process significantly, making them a true beginner hot chocolate cookie recipe.
Variations of Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for these incredibly easy hot chocolate cookies, you might want to experiment a little! These are already some of the best simple chocolate cookies you can make, but a few tweaks can take them to the next level. For a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free chocolate cake mix and a neutral oil like avocado oil. You can also swap the marshmallows for dairy-free alternatives or simply omit them and add a few extra chocolate chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of chili powder or cinnamon to the dough for a Mexican hot chocolate twist. These simple variations ensure you always have a delicious chocolate cookie option! You can find more dip recipes for parties too.
Print
Easiest Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe: Divine Bites
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Capture the magic of hot chocolate in cookie form with these incredibly easy and delicious cookies. Using a cake mix as a base, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes and are perfect for last-minute cravings or homemade gifts.
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box Devil’s Food cake mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 9 large marshmallows, cut in half horizontally
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, oil, and eggs. Mix until beautifully combined and a lovely, thick dough forms.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are nicely distributed.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Place these dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Gently press a halved marshmallow, cut side down, into the center of each dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the marshmallows are puffy and slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, melt the 1/3 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the melted chocolate artfully over the top of each cookie.
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and will stay delicious for 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
- They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For extra hot chocolate flavor, try adding a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry cake mix before you start.
- Swap out the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate drizzle adds a lovely sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (will vary based on specific ingredients)
- Sugar: High
- Sodium: Moderate
- Fat: Moderate
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Unsaturated Fat: Moderate
- Trans Fat: Low
- Carbohydrates: High
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: Low
- Cholesterol: Moderate
