Hot Cocoa Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence any time of the year. These cookies combine the rich flavors of hot cocoa with the chewy goodness of chocolate chips and marshmallows, making them irresistible. Whether it’s a winter celebration or just a fun baking day with kids, Hot Cocoa Cookies bring joy to every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or just a rainy day, these cookies are suitable for all celebrations.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in the kitchen for a fun and educational baking experience!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm right out of the oven or package them as gifts for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without any mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cookies to bake perfectly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.

Ingredients

Hot Cocoa Cookies, the original recipe for Hot Cocoa Cookies found on the back of the Jet-Puffed vegan marshmallows Bits container!

For the Dough

• 1 1/4 cup Butter
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla

For the Dry Mixture

• 3 1/4 cups Flour
• 4 packets Instant Hot Cocoa Mix
• 1 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Baking Powder

Add-ins

• 1 cup Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Jet-Puffed vegan marshmallows Bits

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, instant hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Jet-Puffed vegan marshmallows Bits using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 9 minutes. Once they are out of the oven, press additional chocolate chips and Jet-Puffed vegan marshmallows Bits into the tops of each cookie while they are still warm.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have delicious Hot Cocoa Cookies ready to enjoy in no time!

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies are delightful on their own, but with a few creative touches, you can elevate your serving experience. Here are some fun ways to serve them.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair with Hot Chocolate: Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy them with coffee or mocha for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

Fun Toppings

• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Adding a pinch of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Dollop of Whipped Cream: Top each cookie with whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Gift Packaging

• Mason Jar Gifts: Layer cookies in a mason jar and tie it with a festive ribbon for a charming gift.
• Cookie Box: Present your cookies in decorative boxes for special occasions or as party favors.

How to Perfect Hot Cocoa Cookies

To achieve the perfect Hot Cocoa Cookies, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your baking results.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Allowing butter to soften at room temperature ensures better incorporation with sugars, yielding a fluffier texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can develop gluten.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If time permits, chilling dough for 30 minutes can improve flavor and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Add Extra Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey bite, fold in additional chocolate chips before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Cocoa Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to complement your sweet treats.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of Hot Cocoa Cookies.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Serve warm chocolate fondue for dipping cookies, enhancing their chocolaty goodness.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix provides a satisfying contrast to the soft cookie texture.
5. Milkshake: Create a chocolate milkshake for an indulgent beverage that matches the cookie’s flavor profile.
6. Cheese Board: Include cheeses like brie or cheddar; their savory notes contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Hot Cocoa Cookies can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure perfect results.

• Bold Ingredients Measurement: Always double-check your ingredient measurements. Miscounting can lead to cookies that are too dry or too gooey.
• Bold Not Preheating Oven: Forgetting to preheat the oven can result in uneven baking. Always preheat to the specified temperature before putting your cookies in.
• Bold Using Cold Butter: Using cold butter instead of softened butter affects the texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a fluffy consistency.
• Bold Overmixing Dough: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender bite.
• Bold Skipping Chilling Time: If you choose to chill your dough, skipping this step can make spreading excessive during baking. Allow time for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Hot Cocoa Cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it.
• Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Cocoa Cookies.

How do I make Hot Cocoa Cookies from scratch?

Making Hot Cocoa Cookies from scratch involves mixing together butter, sugars, eggs, flour, hot cocoa mix, and chocolate chips before baking them until golden brown.

Can I customize my Hot Cocoa Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even swap out the cocoa mix for flavored options like peppermint.

How long do Hot Cocoa Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months when frozen.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?

If your dough seems dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water incrementally until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I use vegan substitutes in this recipe?

Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan version of Hot Cocoa Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Hot Cocoa Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various mix-ins or toppings according to your taste. Try out this recipe and enjoy these delightful treats any time of year!