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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prepare the Marshmallows:
Arrange the mini marshmallows in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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.
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.
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!
