These Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful twist on everyone’s favorite winter drink. Rich, fudgy, and packed with gooey mini marshmallows, they capture the cozy, warming flavors of hot chocolate in every bite. With the addition of real hot cocoa mix, these cookies are an ideal treat for chilly days, holiday parties, or a comforting snack by the fireplace.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup hot cocoa mix (without marshmallows)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips to give every cookie a melty, chocolatey bite.
Shape the Cookies:
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
Bake and Add Marshmallows:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until just set. Remove from the oven, press 2-3 mini marshmallows onto the top of each cookie, and return to the oven for another 1-2 minutes until the marshmallows soften.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely or enjoy warm for a cozy, gooey treat!
Serving Tips:
Warm and Gooey: For an extra cozy treat, serve these cookies slightly warm. The chocolate chips and marshmallows will be gooey, making each bite taste like a sip of hot cocoa.
Holiday Party Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter for a holiday party or winter gathering. Garnish the platter with extra marshmallows or mini candy canes for a fun presentation.
Hot Chocolate Pairing: Pair these cookies with a mug of hot chocolate or warm milk for a delightful, indulgent snack that’s perfect for cold weather.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container; this helps maintain moisture in the cookies.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy the cookies warm later, microwave them for about 5-10 seconds, just until the marshmallows soften slightly.
Freezing Tips:
Freeze Before Baking: For fresh cookies whenever you want them, portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Freeze After Baking: If you have leftover baked cookies, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
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