Name: Irresistible Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips; 1 cup mini marshmallows; Extra mini marshmallows for topping; Optional crushed peppermint or sea salt for garnish

Get ready to experience winter magic in cookie form with these Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies! Imagine the comfort of your favorite holiday drink baked into a soft, chewy cookie topped with gooey toasted marshmallows. This easy recipe is perfect for cold evenings, festive gatherings, and Christmas cookie swaps. Ideal for quick dessert ideas, holiday baking inspiration, and cozy food ideas, these cookies bring the ultimate hot chocolate vibe to your dessert table. Whether you’re looking for a holiday treat, easy dessert recipe, or indulgent snack, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!

The beauty of these Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies lies in their simplicity and the irresistible flavor they pack. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that embodies the essence of the festive season. Each bite bursts with rich chocolate, and the chewy marshmallows add a delightful texture, replicating the experience of sipping hot cocoa on a chilly day. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies also make a lovely addition to your holiday dessert table or cookie exchange.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies

Decadent flavor: Enjoy the comforting taste of hot chocolate in cookie form.
Quick and easy: Simple step-by-step instructions make baking a breeze.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a personal touch, like crushed peppermint or caramel bits.
Perfect for sharing: Their festive appeal makes them an ideal gift for neighbors and friends.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking your Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools. Start by clearing your countertop and ensuring you have enough space to work. Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need:

Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugars together.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Baking sheets: Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cooling racks: To cool the cookies after baking.

Also, make sure your oven is clean and ready for action. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) as you prepare your cookie dough so that it’s hot and ready by the time you finish mixing your ingredients. This way, you’ll achieve perfectly baked cookies with soft centers and slightly crisp edges.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
Extra mini marshmallows for topping
Optional crushed peppermint or sea salt for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming the softened butter along with the granulated and brown sugars in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in light-textured cookies. Aim for a pale color and a creamy consistency during this process.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugars are creamed, it’s time to add in the eggs. Crack each egg into the bowl one at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition. This will help everything blend smoothly. Next, pour in the pure vanilla extract for that delightful aromatic flavor. Mixing in these components well is key to creating a uniform dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is vital for your cookie’s structure and flavor, so ensure everything is thoroughly combined before moving on to the next step. By whisking these dry ingredients separately, you’ll avoid clumping and ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, carefully mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. The goal is to maintain a soft dough that holds together well but still has a slight stickiness typical of cookie dough.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

At this point, gently fold in the semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips along with 1 cup of mini marshmallows. This is where the magic begins, as the marshmallows will turn into gooey pockets of sweetness during baking. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

To achieve thicker and fudgier cookies, cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes. This is an essential step that helps the flavors meld and controls the spread of the cookies while baking.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

As you wait for the dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Lining the sheets prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 8: Portion the Dough

After chilling, scoop tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging into one another while baking.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies are ready when the edges are set, but the centers remain soft. The warm cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a perfect chewy texture.

Step 10: Top with Extra Marshmallows

If you want an extra touch, consider adding some mini marshmallows on top of each cookie after the initial baking and returning them to the oven for an additional 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch to achieve a perfectly toasted effect.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!

After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful cookies warm or let them cool down for later!

Variations

Protein: Add some protein powder for a healthier twist.
Vegetables: Incorporate some shredded zucchini or carrot for added moisture and nutrients.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm flavors of your cookies.

Cooking Notes

For thicker cookies, ensure to chill the dough as instructed before baking.
Monitor the baking time closely to prevent over-baking.
Customize using your favorite mix-ins such as chunks of chocolate or nuts.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a frothy cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate for varied flavors.
For an impressive presentation, garnish your cookies with crushed peppermint or a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving.
These cookies can be frozen after baking; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 170mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips will all work beautifully. Choose whatever suits your taste!

How do I store the leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it or freeze it. Just allow it to thaw in the fridge before baking.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough longer or adding a bit more flour next time.

Conclusion

Incorporating the delicious essence of hot chocolate into a festive cookie, these Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies are sure to be the star of your holiday gatherings. Their chewy texture, rich flavor, and delightful marshmallow toppings make them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange or a cozy night in, they guarantee smiles and satisfaction with every bite. Try out this recipe, share it with friends and family, and feel free to experiment with fun variations. The joy of baking and sharing these cookies will add a sprinkle of magic to your holiday season!