Are you ready to take your taste buds on a decadent journey this holiday season? Look no further than these chewy, chocolaty Hot Cocoa Cookies! They have quickly become my favorite Christmas treat, and they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering, especially for us older folks!
I created this mouthwatering recipe for a friend’s Christmas Cookie Exchange Party, and let me tell you, they were a big hit! These cookies start with a rich brownie-like base, then they’re topped with a fluffy marshmallow, a luscious fudge glaze, and sprinkles for that extra touch of fun. What more could you ask for in a cookie?
And here’s the best part, they’re super easy to make! You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these delicious treats. Let me walk you through the simple steps:
How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Approximately 25 large marshmallows
For the icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan (or in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power), melt the butter and chocolate, stirring frequently. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla on low speed until well combined.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture and blend until just combined.
- While mixing, slowly add the flour mixture and blend until just combined.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the dough is firm. If you’re planning to make the dough a day ahead, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll it into balls. Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets and flatten them slightly. Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes.
- While the cookies are baking, cut the large marshmallows in half crosswise. Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and press one marshmallow half (cut side down) into the center of each cookie.
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Prepare cookie icing
- In a small bowl, prepare the cookie icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, melted butter, cocoa powder, hot water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving.
These delightful Hot Cocoa Cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Feel free to get creative with different sprinkles to match any holiday or color theme.
Before you dive in and enjoy these delectable cookies, I have one little secret to share with you. These cookies happen to be the perfect addition to your holiday cookie trays or any cookie exchange party. Just make sure to save a few for yourself, because once you taste them, you won’t be able to resist!
Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet moments this holiday season brings.
