Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

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If your idea of winter joy involves warm mugs of cocoa and cookies fresh from the oven, these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies bring both together in one irresistible bite. Each cookie is soft and fudgy in the center with slightly crisp edges, loaded with rich chocolate flavor and gooey melted marshmallow centers. It’s like your favorite holiday beverage turned into the coziest cookie imaginable.

Perfect for cookie swaps, snowy afternoons, or just a sweet moment of nostalgia, these cookies are quick to make and sure to please a crowd. They carry the charm of hot cocoa with the indulgence of a brownie-like chew. One batch, and they might just become your go-to winter treat.

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What Kind of Cocoa Should I Use?

For the most classic hot cocoa flavor, use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed). Natural cocoa adds that familiar hot chocolate warmth and depth. If you want a deeper, darker flavor, you can mix in a bit of Dutch-processed cocoa, but stick primarily with natural to keep that nostalgic taste alive.

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Ingredients for the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 large marshmallows, halved

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How To Make the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to make scooping easier and help the cookies hold their shape.

Step 6: Scoop and Add Marshmallows

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto a lined baking sheet. Press a marshmallow half, sticky side down, into the center of each dough ball.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Serving and Storing Your Hot Cocoa Cookies

Serve these cookies warm if you want that molten marshmallow goo in the center—just like sipping real hot cocoa. They’re perfect alongside a cup of milk or coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For the freshest experience later, reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive their softness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread keeps the cookies tender.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead?

Yes! Just add 3 mini marshmallows to each cookie center in place of one large halved marshmallow.

Can I freeze the dough?

Definitely. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.

Do these cookies spread a lot?

They spread moderately, just enough for that classic cookie shape. Chilling the dough helps control the spread.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped hazelnuts or crushed peppermint candies are great additions for holiday flair.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies, you’ll want to try these cozy, creative bakes next:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
• Lemon Churro Cookies when you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies for classic nostalgia.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies full of cozy fall flavor.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this cookie recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it every time the cocoa craving hits.

And tell me how yours turned out! Did you swap in dark chocolate or try peppermint marshmallows? Maybe a sprinkle of sea salt on top? I’d love to hear your twists. Let’s make this the coziest cookie season yet.

Explore even more creations like this on my Pinterest board.

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