Hot Chocolate Cookies: The Ultimate Cozy Winter Treat

When the temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, there’s nothing better than the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house. And if you’ve ever wished you could turn your favorite cup of hot chocolate into a cookie, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you! These hot chocolate cookies are everything you love about the cozy winter drink—rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a soft, chewy texture—but in cookie form.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a chilly afternoon snack, or simply because you deserve a treat, these cookies are the ultimate indulgence. And trust me, once you bake up a batch, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. I’ve made these more times than I can count, and they never fail to impress.

So, grab your ingredients and your favorite mug of cocoa—because we’re about to bake some seriously amazing hot chocolate cookies!

Why These Hot Chocolate Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite

What makes these cookies so special? Well, I’ll tell you! These hot chocolate cookies have:

• The perfect chewy texture: Thanks to the combination of butter and sugar, these cookies have the perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
• Rich, chocolatey flavor: If you love chocolate, you’ll appreciate the rich cocoa flavor that shines through in every bite.
• Mini marshmallow goodness: Just like a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are filled with gooey marshmallows that soften and melt as the cookies bake.
• Simple ingredients: You don’t need a fancy list of ingredients to make these cookies—they’re simple, straightforward, and easy to whip up.

It’s like having your favorite winter drink, but with an extra dose of chocolate and all the cozy vibes. And did I mention how amazing the kitchen will smell while these bake? It’s truly a winter wonderland in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry, you won’t need to run to the specialty store to make these cookies. All the ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): The butter helps give the cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that chewy consistency.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar gives these cookies a nice depth of flavor with a hint of molasses.
• 2 large eggs: The eggs bind everything together and give the dough structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The vanilla adds warmth and brings out the rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The flour is the main structure for the cookie dough.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives the cookies that amazing chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become nice and chewy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 2 cups mini marshmallows: These are the real magic of the recipe! They melt and become gooey inside the cookies.
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: More chocolate is always a good idea. These add extra pockets of melty chocolate in each cookie.

These ingredients are simple, but together they create the perfect hot chocolate-inspired cookie. Trust me—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

How to Make These Irresistible Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

To start, you’ll want to cream the butter and sugars together. You can do this with an electric mixer or by hand (but it’s easier with a mixer!). Creaming the butter and sugars until smooth and light is crucial for getting that chewy, soft texture in the finished cookies. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes, so be patient!

Once the butter and sugars are fully mixed, you should see a light, fluffy texture. This will help give your cookies a soft and chewy texture when they’re baked.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Now it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until the eggs are fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth. The vanilla brings out that warm, comforting flavor that reminds you of sitting by the fire with a mug of cocoa. Don’t rush this step, as the vanilla really adds to the overall flavor of the cookies.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. You don’t want clumps of cocoa powder in your dough, so it’s important to sift or whisk the dry ingredients together.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing as you go. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. You’ll know the dough is ready when it comes together into a thick, chocolatey mass.

Step 4: Stir in the Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Now for the fun part—add the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips! These are the stars of the show, and they’ll make your cookies absolutely irresistible. Stir them gently into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

The marshmallows will get soft and melty while baking, which gives the cookies that gooey, marshmallowy bite we all love. And of course, the chocolate chips add extra pockets of rich, melty chocolate.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Now, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread out as they bake.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet once you take them out of the oven, so don’t worry if they’re a little soft in the middle!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a little. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. But if you can’t wait (and I don’t blame you), go ahead and enjoy one while it’s still warm—just be careful, because that marshmallow center will be hot!

Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

If you want to take your cookies to the next level, here are some tips:

• Chill the dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape while baking. This can prevent them from spreading too much.
• Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly.
• Add extra chocolate: For extra chocolaty goodness, you can fold in some chopped-up chocolate bars in addition to the chocolate chips.
• Don’t overbake: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, be sure not to overbake them. If you want them a little more fudgy, take them out just a bit earlier.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, although they probably won’t last that long!

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These hot chocolate cookies are perfect for so many occasions! Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are always a hit. The combination of chocolate and marshmallows makes them an instant favorite, and the best part is that they’re easy to make, which means you can whip them up anytime.

They’re also a great treat to make with kids or grandkids. My little ones love helping scoop the dough and stir in the marshmallows. It’s a fun family activity, and the cookies make the perfect reward afterward!

Another great thing about these cookies is that they make fantastic gifts. Package them up in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would love to receive. I love giving baked goods during the holidays—it’s such a personal and sweet gesture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent cookie to add to your baking rotation, these hot chocolate cookies are the answer. They’re soft, chewy, chocolatey, and packed with gooey marshmallows. Perfect for any cold-weather day, or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do. They’ve quickly become a staple in my home, and I have no doubt they’ll become a favorite in yours, too. So, go ahead—get baking and enjoy these amazing cookies with your loved ones!

Happy baking, and I hope your kitchen is filled with the delicious scent of these hot chocolate cookies very soon!