Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe
These Hot Cocoa Cookies combine the rich flavors of cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips with the delightful addition of melted marshmallows on top. Finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate and an optional peppermint twist from crushed candy canes, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday treats.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Butter (barely softened)
- 1 1/3 cups Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups Flour (for thicker cookies, may use 2 3/4 cups)
- 2/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Topping & Finishing
- 8 large Marshmallows (cut in half)
- 6 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate (melted for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (optional)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Crushed Candy Canes (optional)
- Preheat and Cream Butter and Sugars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar using a mixer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. If you are using peppermint extract for an extra festive flavor, add it now. Mix everything together for an additional 1 minute to incorporate fully.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix gently just until all the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing. Then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Form and Bake Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the cookie dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Add Marshmallow Topping: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Quickly press a halved marshmallow, cut side down, onto the center of each cookie. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 2 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up slightly.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely while preparing the chocolate drizzle.
- Melt Chocolate for Drizzling: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. To ease melting and achieve a thinner consistency, add 1-2 teaspoons of oil as needed.
- Drizzle and Decorate: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a piping bag, spoon, or knife. If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes onto the chocolate before it sets to add a peppermint twist and festive flair.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, increase the flour to 2 3/4 cups.
- Add peppermint extract to the dough and crushed candy canes on top for a holiday variation.
- Ensure marshmallows are pressed onto the cookies immediately after baking so they adhere well and puff properly.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container helps maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Keywords: hot cocoa cookies, chocolate marshmallow cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, cocoa cookies, chocolate chip cookies