Hot Chocolate Cookies

by Sarah Recipes

Embrace the holiday season with these delightful hot chocolate cookies! Perfect for gifting or a cookie exchange party, these chocolatey delights are sure to be a favorite. Packed with chocolate chips and marshmallows, these cookies are simply irresistible.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies capture all the rich, comforting flavors of a classic hot chocolate but in cookie form. The combination of cocoa, chocolate chips, and marshmallows makes each bite an experience. They’re perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday treats, or anytime you need a little chocolate pick-me-up!

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious Hot Chocolate Cookies!

Dehydrated Marshmallows:

  • Make sure to use dehydrated mini marshmallows (not regular marshmallows) as they will hold their shape and texture better during baking. Regular marshmallows will melt and may cause the cookies to spread too much.

How to Dehydrate Marshmallows in a Dehydrator

  1. Prepare the Marshmallows:
    • Use mini marshmallows (they dry faster than larger ones). You can dehydrate large marshmallows as well, but the process will take longer.
    • Make sure the marshmallows are clean and free from any debris before dehydrating.
  2. Set Up the Dehydrator:
    • Place the marshmallows in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Avoid piling them on top of each other, as they need space for the air to circulate.
    • If your dehydrator trays have small holes, you might want to use parchment paper or a special dehydrator sheet to prevent the marshmallows from falling through.
  3. Dehydrate the Marshmallows:
    • Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C), which is the typical temperature for dehydrating marshmallows.
    • Allow the marshmallows to dehydrate for 4 to 6 hours. You may need to check periodically to ensure they are drying properly.
  4. Check for Full Dehydration:
    • The marshmallows should be dry, crunchy, and light in weight. When you break one open, it should be fully crispy inside and not sticky or tacky.
    • If they are still soft, return them to the dehydrator for an additional hour or two.
  5. Store the Dehydrated Marshmallows:
    • Once fully dehydrated, let the marshmallows cool before storing them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag.
    • Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from rehydrating them.

How to Dehydrate Marshmallows in an Oven

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also dehydrate marshmallows using your oven.

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, usually around 170°F (77°C) or 180°F (82°C). If your oven doesn’t go that low, the next best option is to use the “warm” setting.
  2. Prepare the Marshmallows:
    • Arrange the mini marshmallows in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Dry the Marshmallows:
    • Place the marshmallows in the oven and prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
    • Leave the marshmallows in the oven for about 4 to 6 hours, checking every 30 minutes to an hour to ensure they’re drying properly.
  4. Check for Full Dehydration:
    • The marshmallows should feel crisp and dry, with no soft or sticky parts. If they’re still not completely dehydrated, return them to the oven and check every 30 minutes until done.
  5. Cool and Store:
    • Once fully dried, let the marshmallows cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag.

Tips for Dehydrating Marshmallows

  • Do not overcrowd: When drying marshmallows, make sure to spread them out in a single layer to ensure even airflow around each piece.
  • Check often: Marshmallows dehydrate relatively quickly, especially in a dehydrator, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-drying or burning.
  • Store properly: After dehydrating, make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep moisture out. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a desiccant packet in your storage container.

Once you’ve successfully dehydrated marshmallows, you’ll have a sweet, crunchy treat that can be used in many different recipes!

Hot Chocolate Cookies

If you're a fan of cozy hot chocolate on a chilly day, these Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect treat! With their rich cocoa flavor, gooey chocolate chips, and tiny bursts of marshmallow, these cookies taste just like a warm cup of hot cocoa. Plus, they’re easy to make, and the result is a deliciously soft, chewy cookie with a delightful twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened (226g)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar 100g
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100g
  • 1 egg approx. 50g
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5g
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda 5g
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2g
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt 3g
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder 45g
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 156g
  • 1/2 cup dehydrated mini marshmallows about 45g (How to above)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips 90g

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, and flour.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
  • Gently fold in the dehydrated mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into rounded balls (about 1 ½ inches in diameter).
  • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and slightly firm. The centers should still be soft and gooey.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, enjoy your warm, gooey hot chocolate cookies with a glass of milk or a hot beverage for the perfect cozy treat!

Notes

Dehydrated marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are soft, and will melt into your cookies and almost disappear. You want to dry them before baking to have them hold their shape and stay gooey after baked. Dried marshmallows meant for hot chocolate will work if you can find those!
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer freshness, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For an extra indulgent treat, you can drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cookies after they’ve cooled. This adds a rich, gooey layer of sweetness and extra texture.
Keyword Cookies