Hot Cocoa Cookies : A Cozy Treat for Winter and Holiday Baking

Name: Hot Cocoa Cookies: A Cozy Treat for Winter and Holiday Baking
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate); 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (frozen before baking); Optional toppings: extra mini marshmallows, sprinkles, melted chocolate drizzle

Posted on October 28, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

chocolate cookies with sprinkles are on a white plate next to a red sign that says hot cocoa cookies

Dessert

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There’s something truly magical about hot cocoa cookies — the warm, chocolatey flavor of your favorite winter drink, baked into a soft, chewy cookie topped with gooey marshmallows. These cookies are the definition of holiday comfort and belong on every Christmas cookie platter. Whether you’re looking for a cozy DIY winter cookie recipe, preparing for a festive holiday cookie exchange, or just want a fun treat for a snowy afternoon, this cookie recipe delivers.

If you’ve ever wanted the taste of hot cocoa in cookie form, this is your dream come true. Made with rich cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows, these cookies have the perfect soft texture and deep flavor. Plus, they’re festive enough for Christmas baking recipes but easy enough to make all season long.

Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe is a great addition to your lineup of Christmas sprinkle cookies recipes, chocolate-dipped Christmas cookies, and even playful dessert Halloween treats.

Why These Hot Cocoa Cookies Are a Winter Must-Bake

What makes hot cocoa cookies a standout among winter desserts is their ability to be both nostalgic and indulgent. They offer the ultimate balance of chewy cookie base, melty chocolate, and gooey marshmallow — a trifecta that brings warmth and joy to every bite.

Here’s why these cookies deserve a spot in your cookie jar:

They’re packed with real cocoa and chocolate chips for deep flavor.
Marshmallows create a fun, melty topping that mimics hot chocolate.
They look festive and feel extra special without being complicated.
You can easily adapt them for different holidays or themes.
They freeze beautifully for later or can be packaged for gifting.

Looking to build your holiday cookie list? These pair beautifully with pumpkin cheesecake cookies, apple crisp with oatmeal, or even pumpkin truffles for variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Hot Cocoa Cookies

These cookies rely on simple pantry staples. Here’s everything you need:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (freeze beforehand so they don’t melt too quickly)

Optional for topping:

Extra mini marshmallows
Holiday sprinkles
Drizzle of melted chocolate

These ingredients create the ultimate chewy and rich cookie with a festive marshmallow twist.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hot Cocoa Cookies at Home

Follow these steps for foolproof, bakery-style results:

1. Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place your mini marshmallows in the freezer for at least 15 minutes — this helps them hold their shape during baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

5. Fold in Chocolate and Marshmallows
Gently fold in chocolate chips and frozen mini marshmallows.

6. Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop, portion dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake and Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Top with extra marshmallows and festive sprinkles while warm if desired.

These hot cocoa cookies are perfect for all your seasonal baking needs. Their gooey marshmallow centers and festive look make them a must-have in any DIY winter cookie recipe box. You can even get the kids involved — they’ll love helping with the chocolate chips and sprinkling festive toppings.

Add these to your holiday tray alongside classics like chocolate chip pumpkin pancakes or cream cheese pumpkin bread for a well-rounded dessert spread.

How to Decorate: From Chocolate-Dipped to Sprinkle-Loaded Cookies

Want to make your cookies even more magical? Try these decorating ideas:

Drizzle with melted chocolate and top with crushed peppermint or sprinkles.
Dip half of the cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for a chocolate-dipped Christmas cookie vibe.
Add a colorful twist with red and green M&Ms for a spin on Christmas snowball cookies with M&M.
Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over melted marshmallows for a s’mores version.

Presentation matters for holiday treats, and these options make your cookies perfect for gifting or parties.

Variations: Christmas Snowball Cookies With M&M, Peppermint Swaps & More

Get creative with these holiday-inspired variations:

Mint Chocolate Cocoa Cookies: Add peppermint extract to the dough and top with crushed candy canes.
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipes: Roll dough balls in festive sprinkles before baking.
Hot Cocoa Snowballs: Shape dough into balls, bake, and roll in powdered sugar while warm for a snowball effect.
M&M Hot Cocoa Cookies: Swap chocolate chips for red and green M&Ms for a pop of color.

These fun twists help you adapt this base recipe to your favorite Christmas baking recipes.

Looking for a show-stopping recipe for your next holiday cookie exchange? Look no further. These cookies are:

Unique yet familiar — everyone loves hot cocoa!
Visually stunning, especially with extra toppings
Sturdy enough to pack and transport
Freezer-friendly (bake ahead, save time!)

Pair them with gluten-free pumpkin donuts or chocolate-pumpkin butter cups for variety.

How to Store and Freeze Hot Cocoa Cookies

Storage:
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Baked Cookies:
Cool completely and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat briefly in the microwave to bring back the gooey goodness.

Freezing Dough:
Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

This makes it easy to prep for 24 Christmas cookie recipes all in one baking weekend!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Hot Cocoa Cookies Every Time

Freeze the marshmallows before folding into the dough to prevent them from melting too fast.
Don’t overbake — cookies should be soft in the center and set on the edges.
Use room temperature butter for the best texture.
Chill the dough if it’s too soft or sticky before baking.

Want more baking inspiration? Try mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl or blueberry cream cheese bars.

Hot cocoa cookies pair well with:

Warm milk or hot chocolate (of course!)
Peppermint bark or fudge
Cranberry cream cheese dip for sweet-savory contrast
Holiday punch or pumpkin spice cold brew

Serve them on a red and white platter with candy canes or marshmallow pops for a festive dessert table centerpiece.

Make It Spooky: Hot Cocoa Cookies for Dessert Halloween Treats

These cookies aren’t just for December. You can easily adapt them into dessert Halloween favorites with some clever tweaks:

Add orange and black sprinkles.
Use ghost-shaped marshmallows on top.
Turn them into “melting snowmen” with white chocolate discs and candy faces.

Pair with witch’s cauldron beef stew or pumpkin fluff dip for a full Halloween party menu.

If you’re planning to bake 24 Christmas cookie recipes this season, these hot cocoa cookies definitely deserve a spot. They’re crowd-pleasers, easy to customize, and packed with holiday cheer. Add them to your baking list along with:

You’ll have a variety of textures, flavors, and colors that’ll wow any cookie exchange crowd.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Holiday Cookies

Using warm butter: causes cookies to spread too much.
Skipping parchment paper: leads to sticking.
Not chilling dough when needed: results in thin, flat cookies.
Overloading with toppings: makes them difficult to bake evenly.

Stick to the measurements and chill the dough when needed for the best holiday cookie results.

FAQs About Hot Cocoa Cookies

Can I use large marshmallows instead of minis?
Mini marshmallows work best for distribution and melting. Large ones can be chopped, but may melt unevenly.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

How long will they stay fresh?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature, or 2 months in the freezer.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales well and is great for batch baking.

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