Hot Chocolate Cookies

These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of cozy winter nights into your kitchen. Made with real hot cocoa, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet indulgence any time of the year. With their rich chocolate flavor and gooey marshmallow bits, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Chocolatey: The combination of hot cocoa mix and chocolate chips creates a rich, indulgent flavor that every chocolate lover will appreciate.
• Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip these up quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, a winter party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips to suit your taste!
• Great for Sharing: With 36 servings, these cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges or gifting to friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the world of baking Hot Chocolate Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheets
• Silicone baking mats or parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes it easy to combine ingredients thoroughly without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating wet and dry ingredients during preparation.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for cookies to bake evenly.

Ingredients

These easy Hot Chocolate Cookies are always a hit! Made with real hot cocoa, this is always a popular winter or Christmas cookie and is perfect for cookie exchanges.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cups hot cocoa mix – NOT SUGAR FREE VERSIONS)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows do not work the same and can be a bit of a sticky mess)

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Beat the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, use your stand mixer to beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract; mix well until fully combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, combine all dry ingredients including flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add this mixture into the butter mixture until everything is blended perfectly.
3. Gently stir in the chocolate chips and Mallow Bits until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Cover your dough with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Drop two tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart.
3. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
4. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Now you have delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies ready to enjoy! Perfect for sharing or indulging yourself during chilly days!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies complement many occasions.

With a Cup of Hot Cocoa

• Pairing your Hot Chocolate Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa enhances the chocolate experience. The warmth and richness of the drink perfectly balance the cookie’s sweetness.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. This creates an appealing display for guests during festive gatherings.

Gift Packaging

• Wrap individual Hot Chocolate Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a charming homemade gift. This is great for neighbors or as party favors.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create scrumptious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two Hot Chocolate Cookies. This is a delightful way to enjoy them on warm days!

With Milk

• Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness. The classic combination is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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How to Perfect Hot Chocolate Cookies

To ensure your Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use softened butter: Softened butter mixes better with sugars and helps create a lighter, fluffier dough.
• Chill the dough: Chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes prevents spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are just set and slightly golden around the edges to maintain their chewy texture.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety and extra flavor.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some wonderful options:

1. Chocolate Fondue: A warm chocolate dip can elevate your cookie experience, allowing you to dip pieces into rich chocolate.
2. Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Board: A small cheese board with creamy cheeses offers a savory balance to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
4. Coffee: A nice cup of coffee pairs exceptionally well, enhancing chocolate flavors and providing a cozy vibe.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and complexity, making for an interesting texture alongside soft cookies.
6. Whipped Cream: Serve whipped cream as an accompaniment for added richness and creaminess that pairs beautifully with each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hot Chocolate Cookies can be a delightful experience, but some common pitfalls can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong cocoa mix: Ensure you use hot cocoa mix that is not sugar-free. This will help achieve the right flavor and texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t rush this process. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring thicker cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly browned on the edges but soft in the center when taken out.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This affects the mixing process and final texture of your cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with wax paper for easy removal.

Reheating Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Chocolate Cookies:

How can I customize my Hot Chocolate Cookies?

You can add nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist!

Can I use homemade hot cocoa mix?

Yes! Homemade hot cocoa mix works great as long as it contains cocoa powder and sugar.

What if I don’t have Mallow Bits?

While Mallow Bits provide a unique texture, you can use mini marshmallows as a substitute, keeping in mind they may melt differently.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for lightly browned edges and a soft center. They’ll continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for winter gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins for even more deliciousness!