Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Imagine biting into a cookie that combines the best parts of hot cocoa and a fresh-baked treat! These hot cocoa cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with rich chocolate flavor. They’re the ultimate comfort cookie for cold days. Each cookie is made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, capturing the taste of a cozy cup of cocoa. Mallow bits add a melty surprise, like a sip of cocoa in every bite, plus they are really cute! Perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet nights by the fire, these cookies are easy to make and sure to delight. These are perfect to put on your Christmas cookie tray, give as a gift or make as part of your holiday cookie swap!

Why you will love these cookies:

  • Cozy Flavor: These cookies capture the comforting taste of a warm cup of hot cocoa, perfect for chilly days.
  • Rich Chocolate Taste: Made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, these cookies are a dream for chocolate lovers.
  • Nostalgic Vibes: The cookies bring back memories of sipping hot cocoa, making them a perfect winter treat.
  • Simple to Make: They don’t require advanced baking skills, making them easy to enjoy anytime.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Great for Christmas cookie gatherings, cookie swaps, or homemade gifts.
  • Kid-Friendly: With a soft texture, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike!
  • Versatile: Ideal for dessert tables, cozy evenings, or even alongside a cup of hot cocoa!

How to make hot cocoa cookies

These are very easy to make. You just need to mix everything in one bowl, scoop the dough and put some mallow bits on top of the cookies. Very quick and simple, but they look really cool and taste delicious and are perfect for a Christmas Cookie swap. Try them out and let me know how it goes!

Why use Mallow Bits?

I usually use Mallow Bits in cookies rather than mini marshmallows because mini marshmallows tend to be very melty and the cookie will fall apart. Mallow Bits wont melt so they are great for cookies. They also are good for decorating the cookies. I usually buy them at Target, but I have also bought them and other similar marshmallow bits on Amazon.

What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?

A lot of people use hot cocoa and hot chocolate synonymously for any warm chocolate drink, but they actually aren't the same thing. Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk while hot chocolate is usually just made with melted chocolate and milk. But you can call these cookies hot cocoa cookies or hot chocolate cookies!

FAQ for Hot Cocoa Cookies

Q: Can I make these hot cocoa cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking for best results. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely! These hot cocoa cookies freeze well. You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Q: Are these cookies suitable as Christmas cookies?
A: Definitely! These hot cocoa cookies make wonderful Christmas cookies. Their rich, chocolatey flavor and marshmallow center make them a festive addition to any holiday cookie tray.

Q: Can I add other toppings?
A: Yes! Try adding crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for an extra festive touch.

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Hot Cocoa Cookies

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Hot cocoa in cookie form

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 36 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup butter (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • ½ cup mallow bits

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Combine with the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Add in the chocolate chips and mallow bits (save some to add to the tops of the dough once the cookies are scooped) and mix until just incorporated.
  4. Scoop even sized cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets and press down gently to flatten the tops. Add mallow bits to the top of the cookies. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven. Let cool completely before eating.

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Jessica Morone

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