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These Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. They even have tiny marshmallows that make every bite feel cozy! Perfect for chilly days.
You might want to hide these cookies because they disappear fast! I like to enjoy mine with a warm cup of cocoa for double the chocolate fun!
It’s so easy to whip these up. Just mix, scoop, and bake! Watching them puff up in the oven is like magic. I can’t wait for you to try them!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a creamy texture and allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used, though they slightly change the flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a rich, caramel flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you could use granulated sugar, but the cookies will be less chewy. You can also make brown sugar by mixing granulated sugar with molasses.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that deep chocolate flavor. If you’re short, you could use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a milder flavor, or combine a bit of regular chocolate syrup, though it will alter the dough’s moisture content.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are ideal, but feel free to switch to dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. If you’re aiming for less sugar, dark chocolate is a great option!
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows give that classic hot chocolate feel. You can skip them if you prefer and simply focus on the chocolate chips, or use larger marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right cookie texture can be tricky, but with the right method, you can nail it! Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect:
- Always start with softened butter to get that fluffy texture. If you forget, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but don’t melt it!
- When you cream together the butter and sugars, this step is crucial. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. It adds air that helps cookies rise.
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft.
- Watch the baking time closely. You want the edges firm but the center soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool!
Delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Additional chocolate chips and marshmallows for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and then 10-12 minutes for baking. It’s a quick and delightful process—perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and cozy. Plus, you’ve got to let them cool for a bit afterward, but oh, that smell will be worth the wait!
Instructions:
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup—yay!
Now, in a large bowl, take your softened butter and cream it together with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a mixer if you have one; mix until it’s light and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes and gives your cookies that perfect texture!
Next, it’s time to add in your eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition, and then stir in that delicious vanilla extract. Your dough is already smelling amazing!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This is the dry mix that will bring everything together, so make sure it’s well combined.
Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, blending them until just combined. We don’t want to overmix, so be gentle here. Once combined, fold in those delightful semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Every bite deserves a little chocolate and marshmallow goodness!
Using a cookie scoop or just a tablespoon, drop your dough onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping those cookie balls about 2 inches apart to give them some room to spread.
For an extra touch, press a few additional chocolate chips and marshmallows on top of each cookie. It makes them look so inviting!
Now, pop those cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers are still a little soft—and that’s just perfect because they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is your chance to just admire the gooey goodness before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And voilà! Your delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies are ready to be enjoyed. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or even cane sugar if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using a lighter sugar may alter the cookie’s final color and texture slightly. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, so ensure you maintain that component for the best results!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Margarine or Oil?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but it may result in a slightly different taste and texture. If using oil, consider using about 3/4 cup of a neutral oil instead of 1 cup of butter, but be aware that the cookies may not be as fluffy. For best results, stick with solid substitutes like coconut oil at room temperature.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch or try different types of chocolate chips such as white chocolate or dark chocolate. Just ensure you keep the total volume of mix-ins the same for the best texture!
