Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe—Rich, Chewy, & Perfect for the Holidays

Festive baking that delivers gooey centers and decadent flavor in every bite.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Festive baking that delivers gooey centers and decadent flavor in every bite.

Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Holiday Favorite

When the weather turns chilly and the holiday spirit fills the air, nothing beats a warm, comforting treat that brings together the best flavors of the season. These Hot Chocolate Cookies, inspired by The Pioneer Woman, are a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of hot cocoa with the chewiness of a classic cookie, all topped with a gooey marshmallow center. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy nights in, these cookies are sure to become a new tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies

Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of melted bittersweet chocolate and hot cocoa mix creates a deep, intense chocolate taste.
Chewy Texture: The cookie dough bakes up chewy with slightly crisp edges, offering the perfect bite.
Fun Marshmallow Topping: A halved marshmallow is placed on each cookie partway through baking, melting into a gooey, toasted topping that mimics a cup of hot chocolate.
Holiday Ready: These cookies look as festive as they taste, making them ideal for Christmas gatherings and gift boxes.

Hot Chocolate Cookies Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a batch of about 24 cookies:

Ingredient	Amount
Bittersweet chocolate, chopped	6 oz
All-purpose flour	2 1/4 cups
Hot cocoa mix (without marshmallows)	3 envelopes (about 1.38 oz each)
Instant espresso powder	1 tsp
Baking powder	1 tsp
Baking soda	1/2 tsp
Kosher salt	1/4 tsp
Salted butter, room temperature	1 cup (2 sticks)
Sugar	1 3/4 cups
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
White chocolate chips	1 1/2 cups
Marshmallows	24, halved crosswise

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Set up a double boiler by adding a few inches of water to a saucepan and heating over low until simmering. Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over the simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and eliminates lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium-high until light and smooth (2–3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated, then add the vanilla. With the mixer on low, gradually add the melted chocolate, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until smooth and light, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and White Chocolate Chips

With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture and beat just until combined (30 seconds–1 minute). Stir in the white chocolate chips. Cover the dough and refrigerate until it just begins to firm up, about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat and Scoop

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake and Add Marshmallows

Bake the cookies until the edges just begin to set, 9–10 minutes. Remove from the oven and place a marshmallow half, cut-side down, on the center of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for another 2–3 minutes, until the edges are set and the marshmallows adhere to the cookies.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate and hot cocoa mix for the richest flavor.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a chewy texture.
Halving Marshmallows: Kitchen shears are the easiest way to cleanly cut marshmallows in half.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Marshmallows may become sticky if stacked—place parchment between layers.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. Check your hot cocoa mix to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Vegan Version

Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and use dairy-free chocolate and marshmallows.

Flavor Twists

Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or mint chocolate chips.
Top with a dusting of cocoa powder or crushed peppermint for extra flair.

FAQs About Hot Chocolate Cookies

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use semisweet or dark chocolate instead of bittersweet, but the flavor intensity may change.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of cutting regular ones?

You can, but cut marshmallows give a better melt and visual effect. Mini marshmallows will still work in a pinch.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Why add instant espresso powder?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. It’s optional but recommended.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from browning too much?

Keep an eye on the cookies after adding marshmallows—2–3 minutes is usually sufficient to melt them without browning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or—naturally—a mug of hot chocolate. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Nutritional Considerations

These cookies are meant to be indulgent. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a festive celebration. Each cookie contains a satisfying mix of chocolate, sugar, and marshmallow—best saved for special occasions.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful and decadent addition to your holiday baking repertoire. By combining classic chocolate chip cookie dough with hot cocoa mix and a marshmallow surprise, you create a treat that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Give them a try this holiday season—your friends and family will thank you!

“These cookies are pure holiday magic—chewy, chocolatey, and topped with a sweet marshmallow center.” – The Pioneer Woman

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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