Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

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Soft, rich, and full of cozy chocolate flavor, these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies are exactly what your winter baking dreams are made of. Imagine your favorite cup of hot cocoa turned into a cookie: chewy in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with melted chocolate chunks and gooey mini marshmallows.

Perfect for chilly nights, cookie exchanges, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic, these cookies deliver comfort in every bite. Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite warm beverage, and you’ve got a little moment of bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of marshmallows in your hot chocolate, this cookie version is going to steal your heart. They have the perfect balance of soft and chewy texture, deeply chocolatey base, and melty pockets of mini marshmallows. Plus, they store well, making them great for holiday gifting or make-ahead treats.

The dough also comes together quickly and doesn’t require chilling, meaning you can have warm cookies on your table in under 30 minutes. Ideal for last-minute dessert needs or spontaneous baking fun.

What Kind of Cocoa Should I Use?

The key to rich flavor is using unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a deeper, darker flavor, while natural cocoa powder will lend a slightly lighter but still delicious taste. Both work well, so it comes down to your personal chocolate preference. For even more depth, add a handful of chocolate chunks or chips to the mix.

Ingredients for the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

To create that signature hot cocoa flavor and chewy cookie texture, each ingredient plays an important role in this recipe.

Unsalted butter gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and keeps them chewy.

Brown sugar adds moisture and deepens the flavor with a hint of molasses.

Granulated sugar balances the sweetness and helps the edges crisp just a bit.

Eggs bind the dough and contribute to the chewy texture.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor and enhances the chocolate.

All-purpose flour provides the structure needed to hold everything together.

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cookies their signature hot chocolate flavor.

Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and spread just right.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Chocolate chunks or chips melt into rich pockets throughout the cookie.

Mini marshmallows are the final touch that brings that classic hot cocoa vibe.

How To Make the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for a better cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate and Marshmallows

Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and mini marshmallows. Be careful not to overmix to keep the marshmallows from dissolving into the dough.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or once cooled for a gooey, chewy treat.

How to Serve and Store These Hot Cocoa Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed warm, when the chocolate is melty and the marshmallows are soft. That said, they hold up beautifully at room temperature and even better the next day as the flavors settle. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth. This recipe yields about 20 cookies, enough for a small gathering or for keeping a stash all to yourself.

What to Serve With Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies?

A Mug of Hot Chocolate

Double the cocoa experience by pairing your cookies with a steaming cup of homemade hot chocolate.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that melts together perfectly.

Peppermint Mocha

Balance the richness of the cookie with a peppermint mocha or any coffee drink with a hint of mint.

Fresh Berries

Tart berries like raspberries or strawberries help cut through the richness and add a fresh contrast.

Whipped Cream

Top a warm cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra marshmallow for a fun twist.

Holiday Charcuterie Dessert Board

Add these cookies to a festive dessert board with truffles, caramels, and other holiday treats.

Espresso or Coffee

A shot of espresso or a small cup of dark roast coffee can complement the intense chocolate flavor.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these chewy hot cocoa cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet favorites:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a caramel crunch with nutty undertones.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you crave something tangy and spiced.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies for a gooey ganache center.
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies for a nostalgic bite with a kiss of chocolate.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies when you want all the cozy fall vibes in a single cookie.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use regular cocoa or Dutch-processed? Did you sneak in extra marshmallows?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions too — let’s help each other bake better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

There’s something magical about turning a winter favorite into a chewy cookie. With their gooey marshmallows, rich cocoa base, and melty chocolate bits, these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies are everything you want in a seasonal treat. Bake a batch and see how quickly they disappear from your cookie jar.

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