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Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

4.6 from 135 reviews

These Hot Cocoa Cookies are a delightful treat combining rich cocoa flavor with soft, gooey marshmallows and a luscious chocolate glaze. Perfectly soft and fudgy, these cookies evoke the warm comfort of a cup of hot cocoa, making them ideal for cold days or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ½ cup
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¼ cups
  • Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon

Wet Ingredients

  • Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened
  • Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed
  • Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup
  • Eggs: 1 large
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Toppings and Finishing

  • Marshmallows: 12 large, halved
  • Chocolate Chips: ¾ cup
  • Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons
  • Holiday Sprinkles (optional): for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
  4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form a cookie dough.
  5. Prepare Dough for Baking: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven.
  7. Add Marshmallows: Gently press a halved marshmallow into the center of each cookie immediately after baking.
  8. Return to Oven: Place the cookies back in the oven for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the marshmallows soften and slightly melt on top.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
  10. Prepare Chocolate Glaze: Melt the chocolate chips together with heavy cream until smooth and glossy, either using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler, stirring frequently.
  11. Glaze and Decorate: Spoon or drizzle the chocolate glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles if desired.
  12. Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set before serving. These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.

Notes

  • Use quality cocoa powder for a deep and rich chocolate flavor.
  • Don’t overbake the cookies; they should stay soft and fudgy.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing for the best results.
  • For a mocha twist, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
  • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: hot cocoa cookies, chocolate cookies, marshmallow cookies, holiday cookies, soft chocolate cookies, cocoa dessert