Hot Chocolate Cookies

Soft, Chewy, Gooey, and Packed with Chocolate

There is no dessert that embodies cozy comfort like a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Now imagine capturing that chocolatey warmth and transforming it into a handheld treat that melts in your mouth. Enter Hot Chocolate Cookies — the fudgiest, most indulgent winter-inspired cookies that taste like your favorite hot cocoa mix baked into soft, marshmallow-studded perfection.

Whether the weather is cold or you’re craving a nostalgic chocolate moment, this Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe is here to deliver. These cookies are thick and chewy, loaded with chunks of real chocolate, and layered with gooey mini marshmallows for that iconic hot chocolate feel. And unlike many cookie recipes, there’s no chilling required — which means they are oven-ready in minutes.

In this post, we will deep-dive into everything that makes Hot Chocolate Cookies an irresistible year-round dessert. From ingredients and substitutions to baking tips, storage solutions, and step-by-step instructions — you’ll have everything you need to bake bakery-style hot cocoa cookies at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

✔ Ready in under 20 minutes
✔ No chilling required — bake immediately
✔ Uses real hot chocolate mix for nostalgic flavor
✔ Chewy centers with crisp edges
✔ Loaded with chocolate AND marshmallows
✔ Crowd-pleasing holiday treat, cookie-swap champion, or last-minute dessert
✔ Perfect for gifting and festive platters

If comfort had a flavor, this would be it.

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What Makes Hot Chocolate Cookies Special?

Hot chocolate is not just a winter beverage — it’s an experience. It reminds us of:

• Cold nights wrapped in blankets

• Holidays spent with family

• Ski trips and cozy fireplaces

• The magic of winter celebrations

These cookies take every one of those warm moments and pack them into a soft-baked chocolate treat. The secret is using hot chocolate mix directly in the dough. It adds sweet creaminess and enhances the chocolate flavor in a way cocoa powder alone cannot achieve.

Meanwhile, mini marshmallows puff and melt slightly while baking, giving that gooey, melting-marshmallow sensation found in a real mug of hot cocoa.

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Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Cookies

This recipe makes 24–28 cookies, depending on scoop size.

1x Batch

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup hot chocolate mix (about 4 packets)

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (divided)

• 1 cup mini marshmallows, divided

Hot Chocolate Cookies taste best when you use high-quality chocolate you chop yourself instead of pre-packaged chocolate chips—this melts creamier and richer.

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

You can also add:

• Peppermint chips for Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Caramel bits for Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Chili powder for Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

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Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet

• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper

• Stand mixer or hand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Cooling rack

• Medium cookie scoop (recommended)

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How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies — Step-by-Step

Follow these instructions closely to ensure perfectly soft and chewy results.

Step 1 — Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking trays with parchment or silicone mats.

Step 2 — Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl:

• Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar

• Continue for 2 minutes until light and fluffy

This incorporates air and keeps the cookies soft.

Step 3 — Add Eggs + Vanilla

Beat in:

• Eggs (one at a time)

• Vanilla extract

Mix just until incorporated.

Step 4 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk together:

• Flour

• Hot chocolate mix

• Cocoa powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

Step 5 — Bring Dough Together

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Mix until just combined — do not overmix.

Fold in:

• 1 cup chopped chocolate

• ½ cup mini marshmallows

Step 6 — Shape

Scoop 2 tbsp dough
Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on trays.

Step 7 — Bake

Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set.
Centers should appear slightly under-baked — they firm up while cooling.

Step 8 — Add Extra Marshmallows & Chocolate

While still warm:
Gently press remaining marshmallows and chopped chocolate into the tops.

Step 9 — Cool & Serve

Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Enjoy warm for the ultimate gooey effect.

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Important Baking Tips for Success

✔ Do not overbake — fudgy cookies set as they cool
✔ Chill dough only if too sticky to scoop (warm climate)
✔ For extra marshmallow goo — add more halfway through baking
✔ Let cookies cool before stacking to prevent sticking
✔ Use fresh baking soda for best texture

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Flavor Variations & Creative Add-Ins

Elevate your Hot Chocolate Cookies with these options:

These make beautiful holiday cookie box additions!

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Storing & Freezing

Storing

• Room Temperature: up to 5 days in airtight container

• Add a slice of bread to keep soft — bread absorbs dryness first

Freezing Dough

• Roll into balls

• Freeze up to 3 months

• Bake from frozen: +1–2 minutes added bake time

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Freeze in zip bags up to 2 months

• Rewarm 10–15 seconds in microwave for gooey chocolate melt

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with:

• Homemade hot chocolate

• Coffee or cold brew

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Holiday dessert platters

• Kid-friendly after-school treats

• Cookie exchange parties

They’re also perfect for gifting — pack in bakery boxes tied with ribbon!

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Troubleshooting FAQ for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Why did my cookies spread too much?
→ Butter too warm or oven too cool. Chill dough 10 minutes.

Why are my cookies dry?
→ Too much flour — make sure to spoon and level, don’t pack.

Can I use marshmallow fluff?
→ Not recommended — it melts into liquid and disappears.

Can I make them gluten-free?
→ Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I make them bigger?
→ Yes — ¼ cup dough per cookie, bake 10–12 minutes.

Print

Nutrition (per cookie — approx. 24 cookies)

Values may vary depending on ingredient brands.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about transforming a beloved winter drink into a decadent bakery-style cookie. These Hot Chocolate Cookies are:

• Comforting

• Chewy

• Chocolate-loaded

• Fun to make and share

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or fulfilling a late-night sweet craving, this easy recipe delivers warm, nostalgic joy in every bite. Once you try them, they’re guaranteed to become a beloved tradition for years to come.

So preheat that oven… and get ready to bite into your new favorite chocolate cookie!