Do you have a serious love for brownies and chocolate cookies? How about hot cocoa? Well, I’m happy to report that I’ve combined all three of these favorites in these amazing hot cocoa cookies!

Why this recipe works

The flavor of hot cocoa really shines through in these chewy, delicious cookies.

And honestly, who doesn’t love a melted marshmallow?

hot cocoa cookies on a plate with glass of milk

Ingredients you will need

labeled ingredients for hot cocoa cookies

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!

Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!

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How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat oven to 350 F and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips. Chop them into small pieces. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, hot cocoa mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
With a mixer in a large bowl, cream together both sugars and softened butter until creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well combined.
Gradually mix in the flour mixture.
With a wooden spoon, stir in remaining chocolate chips.
Use a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon to portion out dough balls, 2 inches apart, on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8 minutes. While cookies are baking, cut marshmallows in half.
Remove cookies from oven, and working quickly, gently press halved marshmallow, cut side down, in center of each hot cookie. Bake another 1-2 mins, just to soften, but not brown the marshmallows.

Decorating Your Hot Cocoa Cookies

You can use a marshmallow and chocolate shavings, or a marshmallow and a Hershey’s Kiss to top your hot cocoa cookies. Here’s how to do both.

Chocolate Shavings

Remove cookies from oven and immediately sprinkle the top of the marshmallow with the reserved chopped chocolate.

Hershey’s Kisses

If using Kisses, gently press chocolate Kiss into the center of each marshmallow. Allow cookies to cool completely on cookie sheet before removing to wire rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead?

You can prepare the cookies a few days ahead of time. Marshmallows can begin to harden over time, so it’s best not to make them too far ahead.

For the freshest alternative, make the cookie dough ahead of time and form it into balls. Freeze the balls for a few hours on a wax paper lined cookie sheet, make sure they are not touching. Put all the frozen dough balls into a freezer bag.

To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls at room temperature and bake and garnish according to the recipe.

Can I freeze these cookies once I’ve made them?

You can freeze these cookies. Freeze the cookies for a few hours on a wax paper lined cookie sheet, make sure they are not touching. Put all the frozen cookies into a freezer bag.

To reheat, allow cookies to thaw at room temperature, then bake at 350 F for a few minutes to warm them up.

How do I store these hot cocoa cookies?

You can store cooled hot cocoa cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

After testing multiple Christmas cookies, these hot cocoa cookies were a family favorite. Out of all the batches I made, these cookies went the fastest!

Don’t miss my Crockpot Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, and my Mexican Hot Chocolate: Champurrado!

hot cocoa cookie on a plate with mug in background

More Christmas Cookie Recipes

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2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!

Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!

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