These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any winter gathering or holiday celebration. With rich flavors of real hot cocoa, these cookies quickly become favorites at cookie exchanges and festive parties. Their chewy texture, chocolate chips, and fluffy Mallow Bits create a sweet experience that warms the heart. Whether you’re making them for family or friends, these cookies will make every occasion feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of hot cocoa mix and chocolate chips offers a deep chocolate flavor that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for holidays, parties, or cozy nights at home.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch easily.
- Versatile Treat: Customize with different mix-ins like nuts or other chocolate varieties to suit your taste.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 36 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to create these delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.
- Mixing bowls: Keeps your ingredients organized as you prepare the dough.
- Baking sheets: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment or silicone mats.
Ingredients
These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are always a hit! Made with real hot cocoa, this is always a popular winter or Christmas cookie and is perfect for cookie exchanges.
For the Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups hot cocoa mix – NOT SUGAR FREE VERSIONS)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows do not work the same and can be a bit of a sticky mess)
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, use a stand mixer to beat the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is blended smoothly.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Mallow Bits
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Step 4: Bake Your Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy these delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies, whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or savoring them during quiet evenings at home!
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies are deliciously indulgent and perfect for sharing. Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will impress your friends and family.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie. This extra touch makes them feel like an indulgent dessert.
Warm from the Oven
- Serve these cookies warm straight from the oven. The gooey chocolate chips and melty marshmallows create an irresistible experience.
As a Holiday Gift
- Package the cookies in a festive tin or box. They make wonderful gifts during the holiday season, spreading joy to everyone who receives them.
Alongside Hot Cocoa
- Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The flavors harmonize beautifully, making it a cozy treat on chilly days.
How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies
To ensure your Hot Chocolate Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and fluffy texture.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading while baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
Measure Flour Correctly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-measuring and ensures soft cookies.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are lightly browned to avoid overbaking.
Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to add different mix-ins like nuts or other chocolate varieties for unique flavors while still keeping that hot cocoa essence.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies
While Hot Chocolate Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream creates a delightful contrast with warm cookies.
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing accompaniment.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes that complement the sweet flavors of Hot Chocolate Cookies beautifully.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra decadent treat that will please any chocolate lover.
Nut Mix: A simple nut mix adds crunch and flavor contrast, making it an excellent side dish for those who enjoy both sweet and salty snacks.
Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with coffee or herbal tea enhances their comforting nature, perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Hot Chocolate Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using sugar-free cocoa: Always use regular hot cocoa mix, as sugar-free versions can alter the texture and flavor of your cookies.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for the right texture. Don’t skip this step if you want perfect cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Blend just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Ensure you spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can cause dense cookies.
- Ignoring baking times: Ovens vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Hot Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Freeze cookies in single layers between sheets of parchment paper.
- They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Hot Chocolate Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! You can substitute chocolate chips with chunks or even white chocolate for a different flavor experience.
How do I make my Hot Chocolate Cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking them and ensure you chill your dough properly before baking.
What can I add to customize my Hot Chocolate Cookies?
Feel free to add nuts, peppermint extract, or even flavored chocolate chips for a unique twist on this classic recipe!
Are Hot Chocolate Cookies good for gift-giving?
Absolutely! These cookies make delightful gifts during holidays or special occasions. Just package them nicely!
Final Thoughts
These Hot Chocolate Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion. Their cozy flavors make them ideal for winter gatherings or holiday celebrations. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or toppings! Enjoy every bite!
Hot Chocolate Cookies
These Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate cozy treat for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations. Infused with the rich flavors of real hot cocoa, these chewy cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and fluffy Mallow Bits, creating a delightful sweet experience that warms the heart. Perfect for cookie exchanges or enjoying during quiet nights at home, these cookies will quickly become a favorite among family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cup hot cocoa mix)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mallow Bits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add to the butter mixture until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits gently. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
