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Warm, soft, and filled with nostalgic winter vibes, these Hot Chocolate Cookies are everything you love about a cup of cocoa baked into a chewy, chocolatey treat. Think rich cocoa flavor, gooey pockets of melted chocolate, and the finishing touch: melty marshmallows right in the center. These cookies are a winter staple and perfect for snow days, holiday cookie boxes, or cozy nights by the fire.

What sets these cookies apart is their texture. They strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with just a hint of crispness around the edges. The marshmallow adds a surprise inside, giving you that classic hot cocoa finish in every bite. If you love s’mores or chocolate lava cake, you’ll be obsessed with these cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Cookie Recipe

These cookies are everything you could want from a holiday treat: simple to make, endlessly cozy, and totally crowd-pleasing. The recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment, and you likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Plus, they bake up in under 10 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings or spontaneous guests.

The combination of rich cocoa powder and melted chocolate creates an intense chocolate flavor, while the mini marshmallows offer a nostalgic nod to your favorite winter drink. Kids love them. Adults love them. You’ll probably end up making them on repeat.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

For the best results, use a combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. You want that deep, rich chocolate flavor that mirrors the essence of hot cocoa. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker, smoother finish, while natural cocoa yields a lighter and slightly tangier cookie. If you’re a true chocoholic, don’t shy away from mixing in dark chocolate chunks.

Ingredients for the Hot Chocolate Cookies

To bring that perfect hot cocoa flavor to life, every ingredient here has a role to play in building richness, chewiness, and that signature marshmallow gooey center.

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• Mini marshmallows

These staples create a cookie that tastes like you dipped your favorite chocolate chip cookie into a warm mug of hot cocoa. The marshmallows are key here—they melt into gooey pockets that mimic marshmallows floating on hot chocolate.

How To Make the Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This helps create that chewy texture we all love. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine and Add Chocolate

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Shape and Add Marshmallows

Scoop out 1.5 tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Flatten each piece slightly, press a mini marshmallow or two into the center, and roll the dough around it so the marshmallow is completely enclosed.

Step 5: Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with enough space to spread. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray before moving to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are at their best when they’re still warm and the marshmallows are gooey. Serve them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or of course—a warm mug of hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to any holiday dessert tray.

This recipe yields about 18 to 20 cookies, making it great for sharing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to refresh the marshmallow gooeyness, pop one in the microwave for 5 to 8 seconds before serving.

What to Serve With Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

Double up on the cozy by serving these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.

Peppermint Mocha

The minty chocolate combo enhances the cookie’s deep cocoa flavor and adds a festive touch.

Spiced Chai Latte

Warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves contrast beautifully with the sweet chocolatey richness.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

A light drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce over the cookie takes it to a decadent level.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your cookie into dessert heaven by sandwiching it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Espresso

For coffee lovers, an espresso shot alongside one of these cookies makes for a deeply satisfying bite.

Mulled Wine

For adults during the holidays, a warm spiced wine pairs wonderfully with chocolate and marshmallow.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Hot Chocolate Cookies have you swooning, you’ll love trying out more cozy, creative treats. Here are some Luna Meals favorites to bake next:

• Brownie Mix Cookies for an ultra-easy, fudgy fix.
• Dr. Pepper Brownies if you’re craving a unique soda-inspired twist.
• Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for crunch and nostalgia.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts if you’re into quick and clever baking shortcuts.
• Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches for a crispy, creamy indulgent bite.

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 dark chocolate? Add peppermint? Did you sneak a few marshmallows on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions if you have any—let’s make baking easier and more fun for everyone.

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

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Cookies are the cookie form of a cozy winter dream. They bring together all the nostalgic comfort of hot cocoa in a chewy, chocolate-packed bite with gooey marshmallow centers. Whether for gifting, sharing, or sneaking straight from the cooling rack, they’re destined to become a seasonal favorite. Once you try them, there’s no going back.

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