Name: Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 36
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter; ¾ cup sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2¼ cups flour; ½ cup instant hot cocoa mix; 3 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp baking powder; 18 jumbo marshmallows

These hot chocolate cookies are a delight that combines the rich flavors of hot cocoa with the chewy goodness of a cookie. Topped with a gooey marshmallow, it's a perfect treat for a cozy winter evening.

Photos of Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

The list of ingredients for this recipe is quite straightforward and can be found in most households. However, if you're missing anything, the instant hot cocoa mix might be something you need to pick up from the supermarket. It's usually stocked in the coffee/tea aisle.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Ingredients

Butter: It adds richness and moisture to the cookies.\n**Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in caramelization.\nBrown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor compared to white sugar.\nEggs: They help to bind the ingredients together.\nVanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.\nFlour: Provides the structure for the cookies.\nInstant hot cocoa mix: Adds a rich chocolatey flavor and sweetness.\nCocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor.\nSalt: Enhances all the flavors.\nBaking soda: Acts as a leavening agent.\nBaking powder: Also a leavening agent, helps the cookies rise.\nJumbo marshmallows**: They top the cookies, adding a gooey, sweet finish.

One reader, Annabela Villareal says:

These hot chocolate cookies are a game-changer! The combination of rich cocoa and gooey marshmallows creates a heavenly treat. They're easy to make and taste absolutely divine. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful twist on traditional cookies.

Annabela Villareal

Techniques Required for Making Hot Chocolate Cookies

How to cream butter and sugars: Creaming the butter and sugars together involves beating them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a softer texture for the cookies.

How to broil the cookies: After baking the cookies, place a marshmallow half on top of each cookie and lightly press it down. Then, set the oven to broil and place the cookies on the top oven rack for 15 seconds to lightly brown the marshmallows.

How to form dough into balls: Take tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. This helps to create evenly sized cookies for baking.

How to cool the cookies: After broiling, remove the cookies from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set and the marshmallows to firm up before serving.

How To Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

You’ll never get enough of these hot chocolate cookies baked with instant hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, then topped with marshmallows.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 12 minutes

Total: 22 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupbutter,softened
¾cupsugar
¾cupbrown sugar,packed
2large eggs,room temperature
1tspvanilla extract
2¼cups flour
½cupinstant hot cocoa mix,(about 3 packets)
3tbspcocoa powder
1tspsalt
1tspbaking soda
½tspbaking powder
18jumbo marshmallows,cut in half

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa mix, baking cocoa, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually beat into creamed mixture.
Form tablespoons of dough into balls and place 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.until set
Remove cookies from the oven and set the oven to broil.
Place a marshmallow half on top of each cookie and lightly smash down the marshmallow.
Broil cookies on the top oven rack for 15 seconds.
Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 108.31kcal
Fat: 4.26g
Saturated Fat: 2.58g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.23g
Carbohydrates: 16.66g
Fiber: 0.40g
Sugar: 9.47g
Protein: 1.38g
Cholesterol: 20.50mg
Sodium: 63.38mg
Calcium: 12.34mg
Potassium: 27.41mg
Iron: 0.25mg
Vitamin A: 36.80µg
Vitamin C: 0.00mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Hot Chocolate Cookies

When adding the marshmallow halves to the top of the cookies, it's important to lightly press them down. This ensures that the marshmallow will melt evenly and adhere to the cookie during the broiling process. Additionally, keep a close eye on the cookies while they're under the broiler. Marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out before starting. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.

Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer to quickly and efficiently cream the butter and sugars, saving time and effort compared to hand mixing.

Chill the dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to shape into balls and prevent excessive spreading during baking.

Batch baking: Bake multiple trays of cookies simultaneously to maximize oven space and reduce overall baking time.

Pre-cut marshmallows: Pre-cut the jumbo marshmallows in half before starting the recipe to save time during the assembly process.

Substitute Ingredients For Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in baking, providing a similar texture and flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a unique flavor to the cookies.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs, adding moisture and binding the ingredients together.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, adding a nutty flavor to the cookies.
instant hot cocoa mix - Substitute with cocoa powder and sugar: Mix cocoa powder and sugar to replace instant hot cocoa mix, providing a rich chocolate flavor to the cookies.
cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder can be used as a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder, adding a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the cookies.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a hint of brininess to enhance the chocolate flavor in the cookies.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, providing leavening and a lighter texture to the cookies.
baking powder - Substitute with yeast: Yeast can be used as a substitute for baking powder, providing a different leavening effect and a hint of fermentation flavor to the cookies.
jumbo marshmallows - Substitute with mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows can be used as a substitute for jumbo marshmallows, providing a smaller size for easier incorporation into the cookie dough.

Presenting Hot Chocolate Cookies in Style

Elevate the cookie size: Present the cookies in a larger format to make a bold statement on the plate. This will create a visually striking presentation that demands attention.
Incorporate a chocolate drizzle: Drizzle a rich, decadent chocolate sauce over the cookies to add a touch of elegance and create a stunning visual effect.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a pop of color and a delicate, sophisticated touch by garnishing the plate with edible flowers that complement the flavors of the hot chocolate cookies.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a symmetrical pattern on the plate to showcase precision and attention to detail, reflecting the high standards of a Michelin-starred presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the hot chocolate cookies to stand out as the focal point, emphasizing their indulgent appeal.
Accompany with a side of gourmet hot chocolate: Serve the hot chocolate cookies alongside a small cup of gourmet hot chocolate, enhancing the overall experience and providing a harmonious pairing.

Essential Tools for Making Hot Chocolate Cookies

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cookie dough.
Baking sheets: Baking sheets are used to place the cookie dough balls for baking in the oven.
Wire racks: Wire racks are used for cooling the cookies after they are baked.
Oven: The oven is used for baking the cookies at the specified temperature.
Broiler: The broiler function in the oven is used to lightly toast the marshmallows on top of the cookies.
Whisk: A whisk is used for combining dry ingredients and ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Spatula: A spatula is used for transferring the cookies to the wire racks after baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are used to accurately measure the ingredients for the cookie dough.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used for creaming the butter and sugars, as well as beating in the eggs and vanilla extract.
Cookie scoop: A cookie scoop can be used to portion the dough evenly onto the baking sheets.
Whisk: A whisk is used for combining dry ingredients and ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Oven mitts: Oven mitts are essential for safely handling the hot baking sheets and trays from the oven.

Storing and Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

Allow the hot chocolate cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from sticking to each other.
Store the cookies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
If you want to keep the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months:
- Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
For an extra special treat, you can reheat the thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make the marshmallows gooey and the cookies warm and soft.
If you want to store the cookie dough for later use, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until they are firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake the cookies, simply place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How To Reheat Leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies

To reheat leftover hot chocolate cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the marshmallows to melt and the cookies to become soggy.
For a more indulgent treat, try making a cookie sundae. Crumble the reheated hot chocolate cookies over a scoop of your favorite ice cream and top with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel. The combination of warm, gooey cookies and cold, creamy ice cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you want to enjoy your leftover cookies with a hot beverage, consider dunking them in a mug of warm milk or coffee. The heat from the liquid will soften the cookies and melt the marshmallows, creating a deliciously comforting treat.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a toaster oven. Place the cookies on the toaster oven rack and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is perfect for reheating small batches of cookies without having to preheat a full-sized oven.

Interesting Trivia About Hot Chocolate Cookies

The hot chocolate cookies recipe is a delightful twist on the classic cookie. These cookies are perfect for a cozy night in or as a special treat during the holidays. They combine the rich flavors of hot cocoa with the comforting texture of a cookie. The addition of marshmallows on top gives them a fun and gooey finish. These cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and cookies.

Is Making Hot Chocolate Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

The hot chocolate cookies recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa mix, and marshmallows, are commonly found in most kitchens. The cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The cookies are rich and indulgent, earning a solid 8/10 rating for taste and creativity. The combination of chocolate and marshmallows creates a delightful treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This hot chocolate cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - butter, sugar, brown sugar, and flour - are all high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The instant hot cocoa mix and cocoa powder add some flavor, but they also contribute to the overall sugar content. Additionally, the jumbo marshmallows on top of each cookie further increase the sugar and calorie count.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and replace some of it with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
Decrease the amount of sugar and brown sugar, or replace them with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
Opt for a lower-sugar instant hot cocoa mix or make your own using unsweetened cocoa powder and a small amount of sweetener
Use smaller marshmallows or skip them altogether, and instead drizzle the cookies with a small amount of melted dark chocolate for added flavor and antioxidants

By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of these hot chocolate cookies that still satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your overall health goals. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in a treat every now and then as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion on Hot Chocolate Cookies

The hot chocolate cookies recipe is a delightful twist on traditional cookies. The combination of hot cocoa mix and cocoa powder adds a rich, chocolatey flavor, while the jumbo marshmallows on top provide a fun and gooey surprise. The broiling step at the end creates a beautiful toasted marshmallow topping, adding a campfire-like charm. However, be cautious with the broiling step to prevent burning. Overall, these cookies are a playful and delicious treat that will surely be a hit with both kids and adults.

Enhance Your Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving a platter of colorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, to complement the rich and chocolatey hot chocolate cookies.

Grilled Fruit Skewers: For a refreshing and sweet contrast, grill some fruit skewers with a drizzle of honey to serve alongside the hot chocolate cookies.

Savory Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and savory by serving bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cream cheese as a unique side dish for the hot chocolate cookies.

Similar Recipes to Try Instead of Hot Chocolate Cookies

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. It's easy to make and bursting with flavor.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. The combination of citrus and herbs creates a flavorful and juicy dish.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These mango coconut popsicles are a refreshing and tropical treat. They're easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Hot Chocolate Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in the creamy and flavorful spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips. This classic appetizer is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. This classic Italian-inspired main course is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures with a beef stir fry that features tender slices of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This Asian-inspired dish is a delicious and nutritious option for a satisfying dinner.

Why trust this Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of hot cocoa mix and marshmallows to create a decadent chocolate cookie that will satisfy any sweet craving. With a perfect balance of butter, sugar, and cocoa powder, these cookies promise a rich and indulgent flavor. The careful instructions ensure that the cookies are baked to perfection, and the broiling step adds a delightful caramelized touch to the marshmallows. Trust in the combination of classic ingredients and innovative techniques to deliver a treat that will surely impress.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Join the discussion and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make these cookies even more delicious!

FAQ:

Can I use regular hot chocolate mix instead of instant hot cocoa mix?

Yes, you can use regular hot chocolate mix instead of instant hot cocoa mix. However, the flavor and texture of the cookies may vary slightly.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of jumbo marshmallows?

Yes, you can use mini marshmallows instead of jumbo marshmallows. Keep in mind that the baking time for the marshmallows may be shorter due to their smaller size.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies may be slightly different.