There’s nothing quite like the warmth of hot cocoa on a chilly evening, and these Hot Cocoa Cookies bring that cozy flavor to a soft, chocolatey treat. They are rich, sweet, and packed with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
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Every bite tastes like a mug of hot cocoa in cookie form. Baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet? These cookies bring comfort and joy!
A Southern food classic
In the South, desserts are more than just a treat, they are a tradition. I grew up with my grandmother always having something sweet on the table, ready to share with anyone who walked through the door. Hot Cocoa Cookies remind me of the way she would make sure we had something warm and comforting after coming in from the cold.
The combination of chocolate and marshmallow takes me back to nights by the fire, wrapped in a blanket, enjoying a homemade dessert with family. Southern kitchens are all about love and sharing, and these cookies fit right in with that tradition.
Ingredients
How to make Hot Cocoa Cookies
Start by mixing the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, blending everything together. In another bowl, whisk the flour, hot cocoa mix, baking powder, and salt. Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until a thick dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
Once the dough is ready, cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When it’s time to bake, scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake until the cookies are set. Let them cool before serving.
Serving suggestions
Hot Cocoa Cookies are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for an extra cozy experience.
They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter. For an extra Southern touch, serve them alongside a slice of pecan pie or a bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream.
Storage tips
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them later, place them in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Southern farewell
Hot Cocoa Cookies bring together the best parts of a Southern kitchen, warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia. No matter if you bake them for a holiday, a gathering, or just because, they will bring joy to everyone who takes a bite.
Give this recipe a try, and let these cookies become a part of your own sweet traditions.
Hot Cocoa Cookies
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon
- Oven
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 packages hot cocoa mix or ¾ cup hot cocoa mix
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips regular or mini
- 1 cup dried mini marshmallows the type made for hot cocoa, not regular mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, blending everything together with an electric mixer. The dough will be thick.
- Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips and dried mini marshmallows.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Set the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to make 1 ½-inch dough balls. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one.
- Put the cookies in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until they are set but still soft in the center.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these Hot Cocoa Cookies as a taste of Southern comfort and hospitality!
