These Hot Cocoa Cookies are chewy, chocolaty and oh so delicious! These have quickly become my favorite Christmas cookie!
I created this recipe to take to a friend’s Christmas Cookie Exchange Party, and they were a huge hit!
These cookies start with a brownie-like cookie base, then get topped with a marshmallow, fudge glaze and sprinkles… what more could you want? =)
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Earlier this week, I shared the pretty details of my friend Bethany’s Cookie Exchange Party.
Normally, if I’m invited to a cookie exchange I might make some pretty decorated cookies… but I knew Bethany had that covered.
So I baked up these Hot Cocoa Cookies, and I’m so glad I did! They’re chewy, chocolaty and oh so cute!
Feel free to use different sprinkles for different holidays, or to match a color theme… easy peasy!
How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies
Hot Cocoa Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 25 large marshmallows approximately
For the icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 stick, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- assorted sprinkles
Instructions
Make the cookies
- In a medium saucepan (or in a microwave safe bowl, using 50% power), melt the butter and chocolate, stirring frequently. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla on low speed until well combined.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture and blend until just combined.
- While mixing, add the flour mixture slowly and blend until just combined.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then cover the dough and refrigerate at least 1 hour. The dough should be firm. If making the dough a day ahead, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Preheat oven to 325*F. and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat type liner. Use a tablespoon (or a tablespoon sized cookie scoop) to scoop the dough, then roll the dough in your hands to create balls. Arrange the balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets, then flatten slightly.
- Bake cookies about 12 minutes.
- While the cookies bake, cut the large marshmallows in half (crosswise). When the cookies have baked, remove from oven and press one marshmallow half (cut side down) into the center of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven and bake another 2-3 minutes. Allow the pan of cookies to cool a few minutes, then transfer cookies to cooling rack.
Prepare cookie icing
- Prepare cookie icing by combining all ingredients in a medium bowl and mixing together with a whisk. Place wire cooling rack (with cookies on it) over a baking sheet (to catch any excess icing). Spoon a small amount of icing onto the top of each marshmallow, and use the back of the spoon to spread it a bit. After icing just a couple cookies, top with sprinkles before the icing dries.
- Allow icing to set up about 30 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PIN IT NOW to save for later!
This is the perfect recipe to add to your holiday cookie trays, or bring to a cookie exchange… just be sure to save a few for yourself! =)
Happy baking!
These Cookies are out of this world.
These cookies are out of this world !!!!
The best cookies by far. I was so exited how they turned out and received so many compliments I have been asked to Mahe more this weekend by three different folks.
I have made the Hot Cocoa Cookies numerous times, and they are delicious! Guests love them, and they make a beautiful cookie tray!!!
Made them as directed. Delicious, festive and chocolaty!
I used the large campfire marshmallows and will use more than 1 TBS of dough next time.
These are unbelievable!! Made them for a cookie exchange party …I don’t know if any will make it there!!
Great! It came out perfectly the first time.
I have made these several times now and they are always a winner with friends, roommates, and coworkers! I have a quick question now though: have you seen success with freezing them? I have a large batch where some parties will not be able to enjoy for a few days and I want to keep them fresh in the meantime.
Worried that the marshmallow might get weird after freezing but just wondering if you have a recommendation.
So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe Kelsey!
SO delicious and easy! Will definitely make again! Used peanut butter and was so happy with the results!
I’m so glad you gave them a try!
These really are great cookies.