INTRODUCTION
Hot Cocoa Cookies are a wonderful treat that brings the cozy warmth of hot chocolate into a delicious cookie form. They are soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor, making them perfect for any chilly day. The addition of mini marshmallows adds a fun touch that reminds us of topping off a hot mug of cocoa. These cookies are easy to make and can brighten up any gathering or simply enjoy at home on a cold winter night. Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with delightful chocolate scents, making them irresistible to family and friends.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe for Hot Cocoa Cookies is great because it combines the best parts of two favorites: cookies and hot cocoa! You will love how easy it is to make these mouthwatering cookies, whether you’re baking alone or inviting friends to join. The rich, chocolatey flavor comes from both cocoa powder and chocolate chips, and the mini marshmallows give each bite a sweet, gooey surprise. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or any time you want a sweet treat. And best of all, these cookies are made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
HOW TO MAKE Hot Cocoa Cookies
Making Hot Cocoa Cookies is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire rack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the start.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Creaming is important because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully combined before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to mix the dry ingredients evenly and prevents clumps.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Continue mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Next, fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. This is where the cookies really get their delicious bite!
- With a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. This makes for chewy cookies!
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies finish baking and set properly.
HOW TO SERVE Hot Cocoa Cookies
Hot Cocoa Cookies are tasty on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful pairing. You could even put together a fun cookie platter with other types of cookies, cakes, or sweet treats for a gathering or party. For a special touch, sprinkle some mini marshmallows on top of the warm cookies before serving.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Hot Cocoa Cookies
Store any leftover Hot Cocoa Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. To freeze, place them in a single layer in a freezer bag or container. They will Last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Hot Cocoa Cookies taste great on their own, but you can get creative with how to serve them. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a tasty dessert.
- Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa to match the flavors.
- Use them as a topping for sundaes or other desserts.
- Make a fun treat by sticking two cookies together with a marshmallow filling in between.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to put your spin on Hot Cocoa Cookies. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies: Add crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract to the dough for a festive touch during the holidays.
- Nutty Hot Cocoa Cookies: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Hot Cocoa Cookies: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a little heat.
- S’mores Hot Cocoa Cookies: Add graham cracker crumbs and replace some chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a s’mores twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect for this recipe, as it adds the rich chocolate flavor.
2. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may slightly change the flavor.
3. What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can use regular marshmallows cut into small pieces or omit them altogether.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for up to three months.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Hot Cocoa Cookies
If you want to make Hot Cocoa Cookies ahead of time, there are several ways to do so:
- Dough Preparation: Make the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.
- Freezing Dough: You can scoop out the cookie dough balls and freeze them. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Hot Cocoa Cookies are not just a sweet treat; they are a cheerful reminder of cozy days and heartwarming moments. With their rich chocolate flavor and chewy marshmallow bits, they are bound to be a hit with everyone! Enjoy your baking adventure, and have fun sharing these delicious cookies with friends and family.
Hot Cocoa Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.