Go Back

Hot Cocoa Cookies – Fudgy, Cozy & Topped With Melting Marshmallows

These Hot Cocoa Cookies taste exactly like a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate — but in soft, fudgy, marshmallow-topped cookie form. They’re deeply chocolatey, slightly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and crowned with gooey marshmallows that resemble tiny pillows of melted cocoa topping. Perfect for Christmas baking, winter nights, snow days, holiday cookie boxes, or anytime you want a warm, cozy treat that feels like wrapping up in a blanket. They're festive, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make — destined to become a December favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 Cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
Jacky's Kitchen Icon

Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️

Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Hot Cocoa Mix-Ins
  • ½ cup chocolate chips milk or semi-sweet
  • ½ cup hot cocoa mix NOT instant hot chocolate drink pads — the powdered mix
Marshmallow Topping
  • 12 large marshmallows cut in half
  • or 1–1½ cups mini marshmallows
Optional Finishes
  • Chocolate drizzle
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Hot cocoa mix dusting
Jacky's Kitchen Icon

Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️

Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together:
  4. flour
  5. cocoa powder
  6. baking soda
  7. salt
  8. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. Beat together:
  2. softened butter
  3. granulated sugar
  4. brown sugar
  5. Mix until creamy and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  6. Add egg and vanilla.
  7. Mix well.
Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry
  1. Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until thick and fudgy.
  2. Fold in:
  3. chocolate chips
  4. hot cocoa mix
  5. Dough will be thick — perfect for fudgy cookies.
Step 4: Scoop & Bake
  1. Scoop dough (2 tbsp balls) onto baking sheets.
  2. Bake 8 minutes, then remove briefly.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallows
  1. Place a marshmallow half (cut side down) in the center of each cookie.
  2. Return to oven and bake 2–3 minutes, until marshmallows puff and soften.
  3. Cookies will finish baking underneath.
Step 6: Cool & Decorate
  1. Cool 10 minutes on the baking sheet for perfect chewiness.
  2. Optional toppings:
  3. drizzle melted chocolate over the marshmallow
  4. sprinkle hot cocoa mix
  5. add crushed candy canes
  6. top with mini chocolate chips

Notes

🧊 Storage & Freezing
Room Temp: 4–5 days in airtight container
Freeze:
Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months
Freeze dough balls up to 3 months (add marshmallow after baking)
Reheat cookies for a “fresh hot cocoa” vibe:
10 seconds in the microwave → gooey again!
🥄 Variations
Mint Hot Cocoa Cookies
Add peppermint extract + crushed candy canes.
Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Cookies
Add caramel bits + sprinkle flaky salt.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Add cinnamon + pinch of cayenne.
Triple Chocolate Version
Use dark + milk + white chocolate chips.
White Hot Cocoa Cookies
Use white chocolate chips + white cocoa mix.
Mocha Cocoa Cookies
Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder.
Stuffed Marshmallow Version
Wrap dough around one mini marshmallow.
Hot Cocoa Crinkle Cookies
Roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking.
Brownie Hot Cocoa Cookies
Add melted chocolate to the dough for extra fudginess.
Christmas Sprinkle Hot Cocoa Cookies
Add festive sprinkles on top.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why are mine spreading too much?
Chill dough 20 minutes.
Can I use hot chocolate packets?
Yes — as long as they’re powdered.
Why did my marshmallows melt too much?
Add them in the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
Can I use mini marshmallows?
Yes — sprinkle on top mid-bake.
Can I make them ahead?
Freeze dough balls or bake 24 hrs ahead.
Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaked — remove when edges set but centers look soft.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely — fun and easy recipe.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use 1:1 GF baking flour.
Can I add marshmallows inside the dough?
Yes, but freeze mini marshmallows first to prevent melting out.
What kind of cocoa is best?
Dutch-process gives the deepest chocolate flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
These Hot Cocoa Cookies are soft, fudgy, marshmallow-topped bites of pure winter comfort — like your favorite warm drink turned into the perfect holiday cookie. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and unbelievably delicious, they’re guaranteed to become a yearly Christmas tradition.
A cozy cookie for cozy nights.