Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect way to warm up your taste buds over the holidays. These delightful treats combine the cozy flavors of hot cocoa with mini vegan marshmallows, resulting in a chewy and delicious cookie that everyone will love. Ideal for gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself, these cookies stand out with their rich chocolate flavor and gooey marshmallow surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of hot chocolate mix and cocoa powder creates a rich chocolate experience that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Vegan-Friendly: With the use of mini vegan marshmallows, these cookies cater to a wide range of dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday treat or an everyday dessert, these cookies fit seamlessly into any gathering or celebration.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to make the recipe your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Hot Chocolate Cookies, gather your tools and ensure you have everything ready for a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Wire racks

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate Cookies are made with these delightful ingredients:

For the Dough

• 10 Tablespoons unsalted butter, (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, (packed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ounce packet of hot chocolate mix
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Filling

• 120 mini vegan marshmallows

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy—about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt into the mixture. Stir just until a dough forms; be careful not to over mix.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a 1 1/2 – 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 24 even-sized scoops of dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and then flatten it into a disc. Place them several inches apart on your prepared cookie sheet. Top each disc with about 5-6 mini vegan marshmallows, then wrap the dough around them by pinching the seams closed. Roll until smooth and coat in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.

Step 5: Bake Them

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until you see cracks on top and some marshmallows peeking through. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on wire racks for about 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just indulging on a cozy evening, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Cocoa: Pair your cookies with a cup of rich hot cocoa for an extra chocolatey experience.
• Coffee: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies, making for a perfect combination.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include your Hot Chocolate Cookies in a platter with other holiday cookies for variety.
• Fruit and Nuts: Add fresh fruit slices and nuts to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Gift Bags: Package cookies in festive bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Cookie Exchange: Bring your Hot Chocolate Cookies to a cookie exchange; they’re sure to be a hit!

How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

For the best results when making Hot Chocolate Cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Bold Flavor Boost: Use high-quality hot chocolate mix for richer flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Even Scoops: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, ensuring even baking.
• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking; remove when tops crack for perfect chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

To elevate your dessert table, consider these delightful side dishes that pair wonderfully with Hot Chocolate Cookies.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast to warm cookies.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy texture that complements the richness of the cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station for dipping pieces of cookie; it’s interactive and fun!
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting flavor contrast with sweet cookies.
6. Nut Mix: Offering a bowl of spiced nuts can provide crunch and savory notes alongside your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Hot Chocolate Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal texture.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make the cookies tough. Stir just until combined to keep them chewy.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.

• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different, and baking times can vary. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them once they start to crack on top.

• Failing to cool properly: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet can lead to sogginess. Transfer them to a wire rack for even cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or container.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baking Hot Chocolate Cookies raises some common questions. Here are the answers:

How can I customize my Hot Chocolate Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even peppermint extract for a festive twist. Feel free to make them your own!

Can I use alternative flours for Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Absolutely! Almond flour or oat flour can be great substitutes, but you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.

How do I know when my Hot Chocolate Cookies are done?

Look for cracked tops and slight browning at the edges. They should look set but still soft in the center.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Chocolate Cookies offer a warm hug of flavors that are perfect during cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations. Their chewy texture and delightful marshmallow surprise make them irresistible! Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite mix-ins for an added personal touch—try nuts, chocolate chips, or even flavored extracts!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Hot Chocolate Cookies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Warm up with delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies that perfectly blend the rich flavors of cocoa and mini vegan marshmallows. These chewy treats are ideal for cozy gatherings, festive occasions, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth. With a straightforward recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort, these cookies cater to a variety of dietary preferences without compromising on taste. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with friends, Hot Chocolate Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 10 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ounce packet hot chocolate mix
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 120 mini vegan marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and half of the granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Combine dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into the mixture; stir until just combined.
4. Use a cookie scoop to shape dough into balls; flatten slightly and place on prepared cookie sheet. Top with mini vegan marshmallows and wrap dough around them.
5. Roll in remaining granulated sugar and bake for 10-12 minutes until tops crack slightly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg