Hot Chocolate Cookies — The Ultimate Cozy Winter Treat
When the weather turns chilly and the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing better than curling up under a blanket with a warm cup of hot cocoa… unless, of course, you turn that beloved drink into a cookie! Hot Chocolate Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of hot cocoa, melty chocolate, and sweet mini marshmallows into one irresistible bite. They are soft, chewy, rich in chocolate flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially during Christmas time or any festive winter gathering.
Whether you’re planning a holiday cookie exchange, want to impress your family with a cozy dessert, or simply need a delicious treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings, these Hot Chocolate Cookies will become your new seasonal favorite. Made with actual hot cocoa mix, each bite offers the comforting taste of a steaming mug of hot chocolate—transformed into a luxurious cookie.
From easy prep to a bake-ahead-friendly dough, this recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. So put on your coziest sweater, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake a batch of delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies that radiate festive joy!
❤️ Why You’ll Love Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot chocolate cookies aren’t just another chocolate cookie—they are truly something magical. Here’s what makes them unforgettable:
✔ Made with real hot cocoa mix for authentic flavor
✔ Perfectly soft and chewy with crisp edges
✔ Chocolate chips add melty richness
✔ Mini marshmallow bits give that classic hot cocoa touch
✔ Great for holiday gifting, parties, or cold evenings
✔ Easy to make and freezer-friendly
✔ Kid-approved and adult-obsessed!
These cookies encapsulate everything we love about the winter season—warmth, sweetness, and pure comfort.
🛒 Ingredients for the Best Hot Chocolate Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies:
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1 cup butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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⅔ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
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4 packages hot cocoa mix
(or ¾ cup of your favorite hot cocoa mix — avoid sugar-free as it affects flavor and texture) -
1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 cup chocolate chips
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1 cup Mallow Bits
(mini marshmallow baking bits—not fresh mini marshmallows, which melt into a sticky mess)
Pro tip: You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips depending on the flavor variation you want!
🧑🍳 How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies
Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect cookie texture:
✨ Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Continue until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy.
✨ Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before continuing. Add vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic sweetness.
✨ Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
✨ Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Beat slowly until everything is well combined and a rich dough forms.
✨ Step 5: Stir in Chocolate & Marshmallow Bits
Fold in the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits gently using a spatula so they’re evenly distributed.
✨ Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the chewy texture.
✨ Step 7: Scoop & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Drop 2-tablespoon scoops of dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. The center may look soft—that’s perfect!
✨ Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Grab a cup of milk—or hot chocolate!—and enjoy that first gooey bite.
🍫 Tips for the Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies Every Time
🔹 Don’t skip chilling the dough — prevents spreading and intensifies flavor
🔹 For extra gooey chocolate, add a few extra chips on top before baking
🔹 Let cookies cool properly so marshmallows set nicely
🔹 Want a stronger cocoa flavor? Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
🎄 Best Occasions to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies are amazing anytime, but they truly shine during cozy celebrations like:
✨ Christmas cookie swaps
✨ Winter holiday parties
✨ Family movie or game nights
✨ Bake sales and school parties
✨ Après-ski treats
✨ Gifts for friends, coworkers, or neighbors
Package them in a festive tin or gift box with a packet of hot cocoa mix for the ultimate winter gift!
🔁 Storage & Freezing Guide
Storing Fresh Cookies:
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions:
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Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months
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Bake frozen dough by adding just 1 extra minute to the bake time
Fresh-baked cookies anytime? Yes, please!
🍪 Fun Flavor Variations
Want to customize your Hot Chocolate Cookies? Try these delicious twists:
| Variation | Swap/Add | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies | Add crushed candy canes | Refreshing minty chocolate |
| Salted Caramel Version | Drizzle caramel + sea salt | Sweet-salty perfection |
| Mexican Hot Chocolate | Add cinnamon + pinch of cayenne | Warm spicy kick |
| Double Dark Chocolate | Use dark chocolate cocoa mix + dark chips | Extra bold chocolate flavor |
| White Chocolate Marshmallow | Replace chips with white chocolate | Sweeter, creamier flavor |
Baking is creativity—don’t be afraid to experiment!
⭐ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use hot cocoa powder with marshmallows already inside?
✔ Yes! Just sift out large marshmallow chunks so they don’t melt too much.
Q: My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?
➡ Likely the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or butter was too soft.
Q: Can I use mini marshmallows instead of Mallow Bits?
✔ You can—just freeze them beforehand and expect a gooier result!
Q: Can these be made gluten-free?
✔ Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
🍫 The Magic of Hot Chocolate Cookies
Imagine the rich, velvety taste of a perfectly prepared mug of hot cocoa—warm, comforting, nostalgic. Now picture that transformed into a chewy cookie with melty chocolate throughout and chewy bits of marshmallow that mimic the foam on top of your drink. These treats aren’t just dessert—they’re an experience.
The smell alone—sweet cocoa melting into buttery dough—will fill your kitchen with holiday joy. And whether they’re shared with loved ones or savored quietly with a warm drink, Hot Chocolate Cookies create memories that linger long after the last crumb disappears.
PrintHot Chocolate Cookies — The Ultimate Cozy Winter Treat
Nothing says winter like a warm cup of hot cocoa—unless it’s baked into a cookie! These Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with hot cocoa mix, chocolate chips, and marshmallow bits for the ultimate holiday treat. They’re a crowd favorite at Christmas parties and cookie swaps!
Ingredients
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1 cup butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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⅔ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3¼ cups all-purpose flour*
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4 packets hot cocoa mix (not sugar-free!)
*or ¾ cup loose hot cocoa mix -
1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 cup chocolate chips
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1 cup Mallow Bits (not mini marshmallows)***
Instructions
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In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.
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Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits.
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Cover dough and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours for best flavor and texture).
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When ready to bake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
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Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats
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Roll or scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
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Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and lightly browned.
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Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
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Mallow Bits (the crunchy, tiny marshmallows often in hot cocoa mix) work best — regular mini marshmallows melt into sticky puddles.
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Double chocolate fun: Use chocolate chunks instead of chips for extra gooey pockets.
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For extra marshmallow flavor, press a few Mallow Bits on top before baking.
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If dough feels too dry after chilling, let it warm up for 10 minutes before scooping.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with:
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Hot chocolate or mocha
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Milk (classic and comforting)
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Peppermint latte
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Eggnog
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Winter tea blends (chai, cinnamon)
Add whipped cream or marshmallow fluff on the side for a truly indulgent dessert plate!
Final Thoughts: Why Hot Chocolate Cookies Are a Must-Bake
Hot Chocolate Cookies are not just another seasonal treat—they’re a celebration of everything we love about winter. They bring together:
✔ Familiar hot cocoa flavor
✔ A chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture
✔ A playful twist with marshmallows
✔ Ease and convenience for any baker
These cookies are guaranteed to impress at holiday gatherings and will quickly earn a permanent spot in your winter baking rotation. So next time you crave the comforting warmth of hot chocolate, don’t just sip it—bake it into a cookie!
Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, as gifts, or simply to enjoy on a cozy evening at home, Hot Chocolate Cookies offer pure joy in every bite.
