Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits

If you’re anything like me, the aroma of freshly baked cookies can instantly brighten your day. Now, imagine that warm, inviting scent combined with the rich, comforting notes of hot chocolate. Yes, I’m talking about hot chocolate cookies! Whether you’re nestled up on a chilly evening or hosting a holiday gathering, these delightful treats are sure to steal the show.

Let’s add a delightful twist: hot chocolate cookies with chocolate chips. Growing up, my mom would whip up hot chocolate on snowy days, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a few marshmallows. This recipe captures that nostalgic warmth and combines it with the joy of freshly baked cookies.

Let’s kick things off with the classic recipe for hot chocolate cookies. I remember the first time I baked them during a snowstorm—my home filled with the scent of chocolate, making the cold outside feel a million miles away. Here’s how to recreate that cozy experience for yourself.

Why Use Hot Chocolate Mix?

For those who crave an intensely rich flavor, baking cookies with hot chocolate mix is nothing short of revolutionary. This simple twist not only saves you time but also infuses your cookies with that irresistible hot chocolate essence we all adore.

Incorporating hot chocolate mix into your cookie dough is a fantastic way to deliver that signature flavor directly into your baking. Here’s why this method is a standout choice:

• Convenience: Hot chocolate mix combines both sugar and cocoa, streamlining your baking process. 
• Moisture Retention: The powdered ingredients in hot chocolate mix work wonders to retain moisture, yielding cookies that are not only soft and chewy

Ingredients For Hot Chocolate Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: The heart of many baked goods, butter brings richness and depth. Opting for unsalted allows you to better control the saltiness of your cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for that perfect cookie texture, granulated sugar caramelizes as it bakes, adding a lovely sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: With its moisture and rich, caramel flavor, brown sugar ensures your cookies stay soft and chewy. It’s a must-have for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Eggs: These little wonders bind the ingredients together, providing structure and contributing to the overall texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A staple in baking, vanilla adds warmth and a sweet aroma that perfectly complements chocolate.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie recipe, flour provides essential structure. The protein content affects whether your cookies are chewy or tender.
• Hot Chocolate Mix: This is the secret ingredient that brings the beloved hot chocolate flavor right into the dough, saving you time and effort.
• Baking Soda/Baking Powder: These leavening agent gives your cookies a light and airy texture, helping them rise perfectly.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall sweetness and balances the flavors, ensuring your cookies taste their best.
• Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips: These little bursts of chocolate add gooey goodness to every bite. Mix and match different types to cater to your chocolate cravings!
• Marshmallow Bits: Adding mini marshmallows gives your cookies a fun, chewy texture and a taste reminiscent of a classic hot chocolate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and hot chocolate mix.

5.  Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

6.  Fold in Chocolate Chips and Marshmallow Bits: Gently fold in your choice of chocolate chips. 

Note:  If you choose to refrigerate your dough prior to baking add in the marshmallow bit upon removing the dough from the refrigerator. The marshmallow bits do not hold up well in the refrigerator; therefore, incorporating them after chilling is best.

9. Scoop and Bake: Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out generous dollops of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of space between each dollop. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This technique will give you a perfect chewy texture while keeping a soft, gooey center that everyone loves!

10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Hot chocolate cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful way to enjoy that classic flavor. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or get creative with add-ins, these cookies will warm your heart and home.  So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, consider whipping up a batch of these indulgent cookies. 

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave a review or comment below.  I can’t wait to hear about your tasty adventures! Happy baking!