Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect way to warm up your taste buds over the holidays. These delightful treats combine the cozy flavors of hot cocoa with vegan marshmallows to create a chewy, delicious snack. Great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies stand out with their gooey marshmallow center and rich chocolate flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of hot cocoa mix and cocoa powder creates a deep chocolate taste that’s hard to resist.
• Gooey Surprise: Each cookie is stuffed with mini vegan marshmallows, adding a fun twist and a soft texture.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make an excellent treat for holiday parties or as gifts for friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm right out of the oven or pack them up for later. They’re great any time of day!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Hot Chocolate Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a successful batch.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to beat the butter and sugars until fluffy without much effort.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and perfect presentation.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 10 Tablespoons unsalted butter, (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, (packed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ounce packet of hot chocolate mix
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Marshmallow Filling

• 120 mini vegan marshmallows

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer). Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the all-purpose flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix just until a dough forms—be careful not to over mix.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a 1 1/2 – 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 24 even-sized scoops of dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and then flatten into a disc. Place them several inches apart on your prepared cookie sheet.

Step 5: Add Marshmallows

Top each disc with about 5-6 mini vegan marshmallows. Wrap the dough around the marshmallows by pinching the seams closed. Roll each cookie until smooth, then roll them in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to coat.

Step 6: Bake

Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the tops have cracked slightly with marshmallows peeking through. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks for about 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy these Hot Chocolate Cookies as a warm treat during chilly days or share them during festive occasions!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging on a cozy evening, these cookies pair wonderfully with many accompaniments.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy your Hot Chocolate Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy texture complements the chewy cookies perfectly.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Sandwich vegan ice cream between two Hot Chocolate Cookies for a decadent dessert. Choose flavors like vanilla or chocolate for a rich combination.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the cookies with sliced strawberries or bananas. The natural sweetness of the fruit adds freshness to each bite.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. This makes for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for parties.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve the cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth and flavors enhance the experience of enjoying these sweet delights.

How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

To achieve the ultimate Hot Chocolate Cookies, consider these helpful tips for baking success.

• Use room temperature butter: This allows the butter to cream well with sugars, resulting in light and fluffy dough.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the cookies tender and chewy.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding crushed peppermint candies or nuts on top before baking for extra flavor and crunch.
• Check cookie doneness: Look for cracked tops and melted marshmallows; they should be soft but set when you take them out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies can shine even brighter when paired with complementary dishes. Here are some delicious side options to consider:

1. Chili: A warm bowl of chili provides savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like brie or cheddar for a delightful balance of flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your dessert spread.
4. Nut Mix: Serve spiced or candied nuts for an easy, crunchy snack that pairs well with the soft cookies.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Include mini cupcakes in various flavors for an appealing variety on your dessert table.
6. Hot Cocoa Bar: Create a hot cocoa station where guests can customize their drinks with toppings like whipped cream, cinnamon, or marshmallows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Chocolate Cookies, there are a few common errors that can impact the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until just combined for a tender texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can alter the cookie’s texture and taste.
• Skipping the cooling time – Allow cookies to cool on wire racks after baking. This helps them set properly and enhances their flavor.
• Using cold butter – Softened butter is essential for a creamy mixture. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, leading to uneven cookies.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Always preheat your oven to 350°F before baking. An unheated oven can cause uneven baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on high for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat; cover and warm cookies for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Chocolate Cookies:

Can I make Hot Chocolate Cookies vegan?

Yes! Simply use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce.

How do I know when my Hot Chocolate Cookies are done?

Look for cracked tops and melty marshmallows; they should be slightly soft in the center but set around the edges.

What can I add to customize my Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or different flavored extracts like peppermint or almond for unique variations.

How should I store leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Hot Chocolate Cookies offer a delightful twist on classic treats, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday festivities. Their chewy texture combined with vegan marshmallows makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for added flair!