These delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect treat for any winter gathering. Rich in flavor and made with real hot cocoa, they bring the warmth of hot chocolate into cookie form. These cookies are not only great for holiday parties but also perfect for cookie exchanges or simply indulging on a cozy evening at home. With their chewy texture and gooey chocolate bits, you’ll find that everyone will be reaching for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, a cookie exchange, or family gatherings, these cookies fit right in.
Unique Flavor Profile: The addition of hot cocoa mix gives these cookies a rich, chocolaty flavor that’s different from your average cookie.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies is a fun activity to do with kids, sparking joy and creating lasting memories.
Versatile Topping Options: You can easily customize these cookies by adding nuts or other mix-ins if you wish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you enjoy making these delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Silicone baking mats or parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking without the need for greasing.
Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are always a hit! Made with real hot cocoa, this is always a popular winter or Christmas cookie and is perfect for cookie exchanges.

For the Dough

1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups hot cocoa mix – NOT SUGAR FREE VERSIONS)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Mix-ins

1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows do not work the same and can be a bit of a sticky mess)

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat butter and sugars in a large bowl using a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix well until combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients including flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
Gradually beat dry ingredients into the butter mixture until blended.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Mallow Bits

Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, keeping them 2 inches apart.
Bake for about 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes.
Transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies as they warm up your winter days!

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 simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the chocolatey flavor.

As Party Favors

Pack individual cookies in decorative bags to give away as party favors during holiday celebrations.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange Hot Chocolate Cookies with other holiday treats on a large platter for an inviting dessert display at gatherings.

Alongside Ice Cream

Serve warm cookies with scoops of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

With Hot Cocoa

Enhance the experience by serving your cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa, creating the perfect cozy pairing.

How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

To ensure your Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and gives the cookies a thicker consistency.
Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately, ensuring your cookies aren’t too dense.
Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are just set but still soft in the center; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal.
Experiment with toppings: Add extra chocolate chips or sprinkles on top before baking for added visual appeal and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

To complement your delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies, consider serving them with these delightful side dishes. Each option pairs well and elevates your dessert experience.

Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served in a fondue pot where you can dip cookie pieces for an indulgent treat.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies and add a healthy touch.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, crackers, and nuts provides a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
Nutella Dip: Serve Nutella alongside your cookies for those who crave an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite enhances the cozy vibe while complementing the rich flavors of hot chocolate.
Warm Apple Cider: A warm drink that pairs beautifully with chocolate flavors, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes offer creamy richness that contrasts nicely with cookie textures.
Coffee or Espresso: A strong coffee or espresso pairs excellently with sweets, stimulating your taste buds further.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Hot Chocolate Cookies can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using the wrong type of cocoa: Make sure to use hot cocoa mix that is not sugar-free. This ensures the cookies have the right flavor and sweetness.
Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the cookie dough can lead to flat cookies. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
Skipping the parchment paper: Baking directly on a pan may cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when edges are lightly browned for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Separate layers with wax paper to maintain shape.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hot Chocolate Cookies unique?

Hot Chocolate Cookies stand out because they use real hot cocoa mix, giving them that rich, chocolatey flavor reminiscent of a cozy cup of hot cocoa.

Can I customize Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or peppermint chunks for a festive twist.

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

The cookies are ready when their edges are lightly browned. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I make Hot Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for winter gatherings or holiday celebrations. Their deliciously comforting taste makes them a favorite among friends and family. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins, making each batch uniquely yours!

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Hot Chocolate Cookies

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate winter treat with these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies. Infused with rich hot cocoa mix and studded with gooey chocolate chips and fluffy mallow bits, these cookies capture the essence of a warm cup of hot chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, participating in a cookie exchange, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these chewy and decadent cookies are sure to impress everyone around. Easy to make and perfect for all occasions, they are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 packets (3/4 cup) hot cocoa mix (not sugar-free)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup Mallow Bits

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture until well blended.
Fold in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits until evenly distributed. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, keeping them spaced apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American