Dry Ingredients:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
Topping:
Additional mini marshmallows for garnish
Grated chocolate or chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly undercooked, which is ideal for a chewy texture.
Add Toppings
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a few additional mini marshmallows into the top of each cookie. The residual heat will soften the marshmallows slightly.
If desired, sprinkle grated chocolate or chocolate shavings over the warm cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until the ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender cookie texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep the cookies soft.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these trending Hot Cocoa Cookies that bring the warmth and comfort of a classic hot chocolate into a delightful handheld treat! 🍪☕
