Warm up your winter with a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—hot chocolate and cookies! Our Hot Chocolate Cookie recipe will transport you to a cozy fireside with its rich cocoa flavor, gooey marshmallows, and decadent chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging in a sweet moment of bliss, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Join us as we embark on a journey to create these irresistible delights that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- Refrigerated:
- 2 Eggs
- Baking & Spices:
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar
- 3/4 cup Chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Hot chocolate mix
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
- Dairy:
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
- Desserts:
- 1 cup Tiny or mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, hot chocolate mix, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips (both semi-sweet and regular) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cookie dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly golden brown.
- Add Marshmallows:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a few tiny marshmallows onto the top of each cookie while they are still warm.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Extra Chocolate:
- For an extra chocolatey kick, stir in additional chocolate chips or chunks into the cookie dough before baking.
- Nutty Crunch:
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a delicious nutty crunch in every bite.
- Drizzle of Chocolate:
- After the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use instant hot chocolate mix for this recipe? A: Yes, instant hot chocolate mix works perfectly in this recipe. Simply measure out the required amount as indicated in the ingredients list.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for future use. Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use mini marshmallows instead of tiny marshmallows? A: Yes, you can use mini marshmallows instead of tiny marshmallows. Keep in mind that larger marshmallows may spread more during baking, so adjust the amount accordingly.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies? A: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carb content.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar.
- Opt for sugar-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs to keep the cookies keto-friendly.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version substitutions and further reduce the carb content by omitting the hot chocolate mix altogether.
- Enjoy the cookies in moderation as a low-carb treat, keeping track of your carb intake throughout the day.
Embrace the warmth and comfort of the holiday season with our Hot Chocolate Cookie recipe—a delightful blend of cocoa, chocolate chips, and marshmallows that’s sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or savored on their own, these cookies are a delightful indulgence for any occasion. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home with love and cheer. Get ready to experience the magic of the holidays—one delicious bite at a time!
