Hot Chocolate Cookies

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect treat for cozy evenings and festive gatherings. Imagine indulging in a soft, chocolatey cookie that captures the essence of a warm cup of hot cocoa. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to brighten up any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers with friends. What sets these cookies apart is their unique blend of flavors, complete with gooey chocolate chips and delightful marshmallow bits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and hot cocoa mix delivers an intense chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft in the center while slightly crisp on the edges, giving you the ideal cookie experience.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or different types of chocolate for a personal twist.
• Great for Sharing: With 24 cookies in this recipe, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or with family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delightful cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures a consistent texture in your cookie dough.
• Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps create evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution while baking, preventing burnt edges.

Ingredients

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are like a warm cup of hot cocoa in cookie form! Take a bite and you’ll be whisked away to a delicious winter wonderland.

Ingredients:
– 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 vegan marshmallows bits (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on low until combined, then increase to high speed until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Blend until well-combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula halfway through mixing.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour, hot cocoa mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is incorporated into a dough.

Step 5: Stir in Mallow Bits and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the vegan marshmallow bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Optional Refrigeration

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 36 hours if desired for enhanced flavor complexity.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about two inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one sheet at a time for about 8–10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.

Step 9: Add Extra Toppings

While still hot from the oven, gently press additional chocolate chips and marshmallow bits onto each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Allow cookies to cool on the pan completely before transferring them to a wire rack. The residual heat will continue cooking them slightly as they cool down.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Hot Chocolate Cookies!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat that balances sweetness and creaminess.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The melty contrast makes every bite irresistible.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling melted chocolate sauce over the cookies before serving.

Alongside Fresh Fruit

• Complement the rich flavors of the cookies with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing touch.

As a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter featuring various cookies, including Hot Chocolate Cookies, to impress guests at gatherings or parties.

How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Hot Chocolate Cookies, consider these helpful tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture in your cookies.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy rather than tough.

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while baking.

• Check for Doneness: Remove cookies when they are soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly, mirroring the cookie’s flavors and creating a comforting experience.

2. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into rich melted chocolate.

3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies, providing a fresh contrast to each bite.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to create an interesting savory-sweet combination alongside sweet treats.

5. Peanut Butter Dip: Serve with creamy peanut butter dip for those who enjoy nutty flavors paired with their sweets.

6. Spiced Nuts: Offer a bowl of spiced nuts as an alternative crunchy side that complements the chewy texture of the cookies well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Hot Chocolate Cookies even better. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the softening step: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t mix well and can lead to dense cookies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements help achieve the right texture and flavor.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Ignoring cooling time: Let your cookies cool on the pan before transferring them. This allows them to finish baking and firm up a bit.
• Baking multiple sheets at once: Bake one sheet at a time for even cooking. Multiple sheets can cause uneven baking and inconsistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I make Hot Chocolate Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What can I add to enhance my Hot Chocolate Cookies?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, peppermint extract, or even crushed candies for extra flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for winter gatherings or cozy nights in! Their rich cocoa flavor combined with gooey marshmallows makes each bite delightful. Feel free to customize by adding different chocolates or toppings. Enjoy baking these treats!