Hot Chocolate Cookies: Soft, Fudgy, and Loaded with Marshmallows

There’s something magical about a winter afternoon when the air smells faintly of cocoa and the oven hums quietly in the background. These Hot Chocolate Cookies bring that cozy feeling right into your kitchen. Each bite melts with gooey marshmallow pockets and rich chocolate, making every cookie taste like a warm mug of cocoa turned dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies

You’ll love these cookies because they’re everything a cold day calls for: soft, chewy, and full of deep chocolate flavor. The mini marshmallows toast slightly while baking, creating a gooey surprise in the center. Plus, they bake in under 15 minutes, so you’ll have warm cookies ready in no time. They also store well, making them perfect for gifting or late-night cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients and What They Do

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft texture.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar: Helps the edges turn lightly crisp.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a chewy cookie.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure.
Cocoa powder: The heart of that hot chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay tender.
Salt: Balances sweetness.
Chocolate chips or chunks: Melt into the dough for extra fudgy bites.
Mini marshmallows: Give that classic hot cocoa finish.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies Step-by-Step

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This step gives your cookies a smooth texture. Then add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even mixing and prevents clumps of cocoa.

Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a thick, smooth dough forms. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.

Add Chocolate and Marshmallows

Gently fold in chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. The marshmallows will peek through the dough, creating that signature hot chocolate look once baked.

Scoop, Bake, and Cool

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave space between cookies since they spread slightly. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look soft. Let them cool a few minutes on the sheet before moving them to a rack. This keeps them chewy and prevents marshmallow mess.

Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies Every Time

Use room-temperature butter for smooth creaming. Don’t overbake; they firm up as they cool. If your marshmallows melt too quickly, press a few extra on top right after baking for that pretty, toasty look. And if you love rich flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top before baking it deepens the chocolate taste beautifully.

Variations and Add-In Ideas

Try swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate or peppermint chunks for a holiday twist. You can also mix in crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-style version. If you prefer less sweetness, use dark chocolate chunks or add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the cocoa flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and fudgy. You can also freeze the dough balls just bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Warm them up slightly before eating for that gooey, just-baked feel.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or, even better, a steaming mug of cocoa. They’re also lovely alongside vanilla ice cream for a dessert that tastes like a chocolate hug. Great for winter movie nights, cookie swaps, or cozy weekends at home.

More Such Recipes

• Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Apple Pie Bites Recipe
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies (Pumpkindoodles)
• Zucchini Brownies
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Conclusion

These Hot Chocolate Cookies taste like a cozy night wrapped in a blanket, filled with rich chocolate and melty marshmallows. They’re easy to make, endlessly comforting, and loved by everyone who tries them. You can even share your creations on Pinterest or join the community on Facebook for more dessert inspiration.

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