Hot Chocolate Cookies

These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of hot cocoa with the charm of homemade cookies. Perfect for winter gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply cozy nights at home, these cookies stand out because they are packed with rich chocolate flavor and fluffy marshmallow bits. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange or just want a sweet indulgence, these cookies will surely impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze even for beginners.
• Rich Flavor: The use of real hot cocoa mix gives these cookies a deep chocolate taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 36 cookies, making it ideal for parties, cookie exchanges, and festive gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed warm from the oven or stored for later, maintaining their deliciousness over time.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking together is a great activity for families; kids will love decorating and tasting their creations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Hot Chocolate Cookies, ensure you gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together to achieve that light and fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep wet and dry ingredients organized for easier mixing.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, allowing for easy removal once baked.

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

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

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with sugar and brown sugar using a stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture until blended thoroughly.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Mallow Bits

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

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
4. Allow cooling on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your deliciously rich Hot Chocolate Cookies!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are delightfully rich and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying an afternoon treat, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• The classic pairing of cookies and milk complements the sweetness of Hot Chocolate Cookies perfectly.

As Dessert with Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious dessert.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with seasonal decorations for an eye-catching presentation at holiday gatherings.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that enhances the hot cocoa flavor.

Paired with Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of your favorite coffee. The rich flavors work well together, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

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How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

Perfecting your Hot Chocolate Cookies can take them from good to great. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Use Quality Cocoa Mix: Choose a premium hot cocoa mix for deeper flavor and richness in your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill enhances the texture, making them chewy and preventing spreading during baking.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out for the best texture.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety in flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

While Hot Chocolate Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can create a delightful spread. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa enhances the theme and is especially cozy during winter months.

2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.

4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your cookies or serve it as a dip for added indulgence.

5. Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with the softness of Hot Chocolate Cookies.

6. Chocolate Fondue: For an interactive dessert experience, serve chocolate fondue alongside fresh fruits and pretzels for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Chocolate Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not chilling the dough – Skipping this step can lead to flat cookies. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape.
• Using sugar-free cocoa mix – Sugar-free mixes do not work well in this recipe. Stick to regular hot cocoa mix for the best flavor and texture.
• Overbaking the cookies – Watching the timer is important! Remove the cookies when they are just lightly browned around the edges for a soft, chewy center.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature – Ingredients like butter should be softened, not melted. Softened butter helps create the right texture in your cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to keep them fresh.

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Warm on low heat in a skillet covered with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hot Chocolate Cookies special?

Hot Chocolate Cookies are filled with rich flavors from real hot cocoa mix and chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat perfect for cozy gatherings.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Mallow Bits?

Regular mini marshmallows do not melt the same way as Mallow Bits and can become sticky. It’s best to stick with Mallow Bits for this recipe.

How can I customize Hot Chocolate Cookies?

You can add nuts or substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or peppermint chips for a festive twist!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just remember to chill it before baking.

Are Hot Chocolate Cookies suitable for holiday parties?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings, bringing joy and warmth to any event.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They bring comfort during chilly seasons and can easily be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Give them a try, and enjoy the cozy flavors that remind you of warm winter evenings!