Hot Chocolate Cookies

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of winter right to your kitchen. They combine the rich flavor of hot cocoa with the comforting texture of a cookie, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or cozy nights in. Their unique combination of melted chocolate chips and fluffy Mallow Bits creates an indulgent experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies come together quickly.
• Bursting with Flavor: Real hot cocoa mix gives these cookies an authentic chocolate taste that is irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a chilly day, these cookies are suitable for any gathering.
• Deliciously Chewy: The addition of Mallow Bits adds a chewy texture and marshmallow flavor that enhances each bite.
• Great for Sharing: With 36 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Hot Chocolate Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized and separate before combining them.
• Baking sheets: Provide even heat distribution while baking your cookies, ensuring they bake uniformly.

Ingredients

These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are always a hit! Made with real hot cocoa, this is always a popular winter or Christmas cookie and is perfect for cookie exchanges.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups hot cocoa mix – NOT SUGAR FREE VERSIONS)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Mix-ins

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows do not work the same and can be a bit of a sticky mess)

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Beat butter and sugars in a large bowl using a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well until thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients including flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. Gradually beat the dry mixture into the butter mixture until fully blended.

Step 3: Add Mix-ins

1. Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Drop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches apart between each cookie.
3. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
4. Cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies fresh out of the oven or share them with loved ones during special moments!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies can be served with different accompaniments to enhance their rich flavor.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing hot chocolate cookies with cold milk is a classic combination that complements the sweetness perfectly.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra creamy touch, making them even more indulgent.

As Part of a Cookie Platter

• Display your hot chocolate cookies on a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread and sugar cookies for variety.

With Hot Cocoa

• Serve your cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience, perfect for winter evenings.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• Crumble hot chocolate cookies over vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae topping that adds texture and flavor.

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How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

To ensure your Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling your dough helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Quality Cocoa: Opt for high-quality cocoa mix to enhance the chocolate flavor in your cookies, making them richer and more satisfying.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; remove them when they are just set and lightly browned around the edges for a chewy texture.
• Mix Gently: When adding in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits, mix gently to avoid breaking them up, ensuring you get bites filled with gooey goodness.
• Adjust Baking Time: Every oven is different, so adjust baking times as needed to achieve the perfect cookie consistency that suits your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are versatile and can be paired with various side dishes to create a delightful spread. Here are some great options:

1. Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake pairs wonderfully with hot chocolate cookies for an indulgent dessert experience.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies and balances flavors nicely.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory complement to sweet treats like hot chocolate cookies, enhancing the overall palate.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your cookies or serve it as a dip for extra sweetness.
5. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee or espresso contrasts beautifully with sweet hot chocolate cookies, creating a delightful flavor pairing.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy nutty trail mix can add texture and balance out the sweetness of your cookies while offering a healthy option.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a glass next to your cookies for a light yet satisfying side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hot Chocolate Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that might affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. It helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Using sugar-free hot cocoa mix – Always use regular hot cocoa mix. Sugar-free versions will not yield the same delicious flavor and texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can develop gluten, making cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until combined.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to check that your oven is at 350 degrees before baking for even results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become tough.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, covered, to gently warm them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hot Chocolate Cookies special?

Hot Chocolate Cookies are unique because they combine the rich flavors of hot cocoa with classic cookie textures, creating a delightful treat perfect for winter.

Can I customize my Hot Chocolate Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, flavored extracts, or different types of chocolate chips according to your taste.

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

Look for lightly browned edges while the center remains soft. They will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures like regular flour.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s winter holidays or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies can be customized with various additions like nuts or different types of chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing these cozy treats with family and friends!