I’m sharing one of my all time favorite cookies with you today, my hot chocolate cookies. When I first made these hot cocoa cookies, adding hot cocoa mix to a cookie seemed like it would taste good. But I didn’t quite expect for them to be SO delicious. These Hot Chocolate Cookies have since become one of the most popular cookie recipes on Love From The Oven. Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect Christmas cookies and are great cookie for cookie exchanges.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Really truly, these hot chocolate cookies are incredible. The flavor that the hot cocoa contributes is pretty amazing, they do not taste like “another chocolate cookie” if you will, they taste like a cup of hot chocolate.
Let’s face it, most of us have had all the “standard” cookies such as chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, snickerdoodles, oatmeal cookies, double chocolate chip cookies and cut out sugar cookies. So these bring a new and fun flavor to those holiday cookie platters.
Since I first made these cookies hot chocolate cookies, Kraft Kitchens have tested the recipe. Both Swiss Miss and Kraft Jet Puffed have shared the recipe on their packaging. Seriously, they are that good.
Marshmallows In Cookies
Keeping it easy is important to me, and these hot chocolate cookies are as easy to make as your standard chocolate chip cookie, so nothing fancy needed here.
Mallow Bits
I do recommend that you use the Mallow Bits in place of regular mini-marshmallows, as the mini marshmallows can create quite a mess. You should be able to find these freeze dried marshmallows in your grocery store, either by the marshmallows or near where they keep hot chocolate.
2021 Update: Find Mallow Bits or similar dehydrated marshmallows at Target, Amazon and Walmart. Also check your local grocery store.
2020 Update: I’m not sure if Kraft is no longer making Mallow Bits, but I have a hard time finding them online, though some of my local stores still carry them. Here is what appears to be almost identical freeze dried hot chocolate marshmallows.
There also are many colored freeze dried marshmallows on the market. Another great option is the Swiss Miss Marshmallow Lover’s Cocoa, which actually includes packets of marshmallows along with the cocoa.
Chilling Dough + Mallow Bits
A note on these, I’ve found that when chilling the dough for 30 minutes, sometimes it can cause the Mallow Bits to melt into the cookie when baking.
It’s not consistent, and I think it’s dependent on how fresh/dry the Mallow Bits are (it happens to me more when I’ve purchased from Amazon). One way to completely avoid this problem is to mix the Mallow Bits in AFTER you chill the dough.
If you are looking for a different cookie to bring to a cookie exchange or to bake for the holidays, I’d highly recommend these hot chocolate cookies. While the recipe calls for regular hot cocoa, for a twist I used a dark chocolate hot cocoa mix with this batch. I love to serve them with a mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate!
There are so many new flavors of hot cocoas out there, feel free to get a little creative with these! One thing to note: do not use sugar free hot cocoa mix. They won’t turn out as well I’m afraid.
Check out all of the cookie recipes on this site. Don’t miss all of the recipes for Christmas Cookies here on Love From The Oven! Also grab a copy of my free Favorite Cookies e-Book Cookbook, it has all my favorite cookie recipes in a convenient cookbook download.
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Hot Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with standing mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients. Gradually beat dry ingredients into butter mixture until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits*. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drop 2 tablespoons dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets lined with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes; remove to wire racks and cool.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
I can’t wait for you to try these cookies! They’d be the perfect addition to a hot cocoa bar. Check out my post all about how to set up a hot cocoa bar, such a fun (and super easy) thing to do when it’s chilly outside! Also, start your day with my Hot Chocolate Pancakes!
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Originally published October 2017
Tina says
If I can’t find hot cocoa mix can I use hot chocolate mix or use cocoa powder?
Christi Johnstone says
As far as I know, hot chocolate mix and hot cocoa mix are the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably. Using cocoa powder would essentially just make these into standard chocolate cookies.
Anonymous says
I noticed in the photo it looks like you added some chopped chocolate as well, but it’s not mentioned in the video. I would love to know what percent cacao/what type of chocolate has been used for that and if we sub out some of the chocolate chips that this recipe calls for.
Thank you
Christi Johnstone says
I 100% believe what type and percentage of chocolate used is a matter of personal taste. I would never use milk chocolate chips in anything – ever – because I personally really dislike them. But if YOU like them, then they’d be a great option. I will always opt for semi-sweet to dark chocolate, just based on my personal preference. If you don’t like dark chocolate, don’t go that route. Use chips, use chunks, chop up a bar, whatever works for you! I’ve yet to meet a recipe where you can’t mix up the chocolate chips used to customize it to suit your tastes.
The chocolate chunks were a bag of generic semi-sweet chocolate chunks from the grocery store. Since the picture with them in it is about a decade old, I’m afraid I can’t remember which store exactly.
Casandra says
My kids loved this! The first time I made something the first time and it was delicious!!! I had to put it in the oven for 14 minutes.
Kathy says
I live near a couple of Amish communities and I was able to find marshmallow bits at a bulk food store. The cost was $3.70 a pound. The smallest quantity I could get was a half pound.
Christi Johnstone says
Wow, that’s awesome! I have a friend who lives in Amish country and she has access to so many great things, including fresh Apple Cider Donuts! Unfortunately here in Phoenix, we are way too far away!
Anonymous says
What butter did you use with this recipe ? I tried this recipe since it sounded so good, but when I baked the cookies. They came out flat like a Pancake. Not sure what I did wrong , curious if you would know?
Deb T. says
I made these today and used the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix with extra marshmallows. I added one tablespoon of Hershey’s Cocoa and added the mallows by pressing into cookie before baking. They turned out great and are delicious. My adult children loved them. Very rich but definitely a great cookie which is being added to the family holiday recipes!
Riz says
I love the idea of making this for my lady day but the problem is the cocoa mix has coconut in it which I’m severely allergic to it. Anyone have idea of on what to switch it to other cocoa mix without coconut involves?
Ashley says
Do you happen to know how many of the marshmallow packets you need if you’re using the Swiss miss marshmallow lovers for the marshmallows? I googled it and the box says 6 0.2oz packets of marshmallows, but i’m not sure if that’s enough for a cup or not, and want to make sure I order enough
Lauren B says
Made these last year and they were a hit! Do they freeze well? Wanting to bake them a few days before flying them to a friend out of state. Let me know 🙂
Christi Johnstone says
Glad you like them! The freeze the same way any other drop cookies will. Enjoy!
Haley says
I normally forget to leave a review after I try a recipe 🤦♀️ but these are great! I followed the advice of not refrigerating the marshmallow bits, and they came out perfectly. These cookies are so tasty and cute! I can’t wait to share these at my cookie exchange 💗