Winter baking just isn’t complete without Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat. These delightful cookies channel everything you love about a steaming cup of cocoa—rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness—all in a handheld dessert. From the very first bite, you’ll get the blissful experience of sipping your favorite winter drink, but in cookie form. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a holiday movie marathon or need a sweet pick-me-up on a chilly day, this recipe delivers pure comfort and joy, every single time.

Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how simple—and how essential—each ingredient is in creating the perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat. Every item on this list plays a key role, from flavor to texture, giving you that classic “hot cocoa in a cookie” experience.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Soft butter ensures a tender, rich cookie and helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up at the edges.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Gives a deep molasses note and extra chewiness.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a slight lift for a pillowy cookie.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate and provides cozy, aromatic undertones.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the structure and delivers the perfect bite.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): The heart of the chocolate flavor—choose a high quality powder for the best impact.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and stay soft inside.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a little balances the sweetness and sharpens the chocolate notes.
Milk (1/4 cup): Keeps the cookies luxuriously soft and slightly cake-like.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate make these cookies irresistibly decadent.
Large marshmallows (12, halved): The star topping! Marshmallows melt to gooey perfection and add a whimsical finish.
Milk chocolate pieces or bars (1/2 cup, broken into squares): Placed on top for that “melted chocolate” moment, just like in classic hot cocoa.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your dough is mixed. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a total breeze. Having everything set up ahead of time will make the process a joy rather than a stress.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Mix until the texture is light, airy, and creamy—this step infuses air into the dough for soft, tender cookies. Don’t rush! Taking a little extra time here ensures that cozy, chewy bite everyone loves in Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour the vanilla into the sugar-butter mixture. Beat well until everything is completely smooth and well combined. The egg binds your dough together, while the vanilla adds that irresistible bakery-style aroma and flavor. The mixture should look glossy and uniform before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients separately allows them to distribute evenly into the dough. The cocoa makes your cookies deeply chocolatey, while baking soda and salt ensure the perfect rise and balance.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with small splashes of milk. This technique keeps the dough smooth and lump-free. Mix gently—just until everything is combined—so you don’t overwork the dough. The goal is a dense, chocolatey mixture that smells like pure heaven.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into your dough using a spatula. This adds melty chocolate bursts throughout every cookie—absolutely essential for the full Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat effect. Try to distribute them evenly so each cookie delivers the perfect bite.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop evenly sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about two inches between each cookie, as they’ll spread a bit while baking. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, until the cookies are just set around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake—slightly undercooked gives that gooey, cozy result you want.

Step 8: Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking

Quickly remove the warm cookies from the oven and press a halved marshmallow, cut side down, into the center of each cookie. Pop the sheets back into the oven for another 2 minutes—just enough to let the marshmallows puff and soften without melting away completely. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely magical at this point!

Step 9: Top with Milk Chocolate and Cool

As soon as you pull the cookies out, place a square of milk chocolate on each marshmallow. Let the residual heat gently melt the chocolate, forming a glossy, decadent topper. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set up a bit, then transfer to a wire rack. They’ll still be soft and gooey inside, just like the best cup of hot chocolate.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat

Garnishes

Give your Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat the finishing touch by drizzling melted chocolate over the top, or sprinkle them with crushed peppermint candies or a dusting of powdered sugar. Colorful sprinkles make them extra festive for the holidays and add a playful pop. For a truly bakery-worthy look, you can even torch the marshmallow just a little for a toasty finish!

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a tall glass of cold milk—classic and kid-approved! For more grown-up gatherings, pair them with mugs of homemade hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even spiced chai for a cozier vibe. On a dessert platter, they play beautifully with other seasonal treats like gingerbread men, snickerdoodles, or cranberry bars.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat for gifting or parties, nestle them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or arrange them on a sparkling holiday tray. Stack several in a mason jar with mini marshmallows and a tag for a homemade cookie kit. You could even use these cookies as the sweetest topper on mugs of hot chocolate at your next winter gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for lunchbox treats or an after-dinner snack throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll keep their gooey magic for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy, and they’ll taste just as freshly baked as day one.

Reheating

For that straight-from-the-oven coziness, gently reheat a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The marshmallow and chocolate will soften, giving you that just-baked goo factor. It’s almost like pressing reset on the winter comfort every time you warm one up!

FAQs

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Absolutely! Mini marshmallows are a fun swap—simply add a small handful to each cookie for a melty, marshmallow-rich topping. Just keep an eye on baking time, as minis melt a bit faster.

Can I mix in other types of chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to use milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips for unique flavor combinations. A blend of chips adds extra depth and plenty of surprise with every bite.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that your other ingredients (like chocolate and marshmallows) are certified gluten-free if serving to those with allergies.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, it doubles beautifully! Mix the dough in batches if your mixing bowl isn’t large enough, and rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even baking. These are always a hit at parties and holiday exchanges.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Cookie spread is usually caused by overly soft butter or warm dough. To prevent this, chill your dough for 15-30 minutes before baking, especially if your kitchen is warm or you want thick, bakery-style cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in a hug, Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat are the answer. With their gooey marshmallow centers and rich chocolate flavor, they’re pure winter joy in every bite. Bake a batch, share with someone you love, and let these cookies transform your next cozy night in. Trust me, your kitchen will never have felt so warm and inviting!

Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 31 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful winter treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with gooey marshmallows for a cozy indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Toppings:

12 large marshmallows, cut in half
1/2 cup milk chocolate pieces or bars, broken into squares

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them apart. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Press a marshmallow half into the center of each cookie, then return to the oven for 2 minutes. Top each marshmallow with a piece of milk chocolate.
Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.