Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Hot Cocoa Cookies are a delightful treat combining rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a hint of peppermint for a cozy winter dessert. Soft, chewy, and topped with melted chocolate drizzle, they perfectly capture the warmth of a cup of hot cocoa in cookie form.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter (barely softened)
- 1 1/3 cups Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups Flour (for thicker cookies, may use 2 3/4 cups)
- 2/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 8 large Marshmallows (cut in half)
- 6 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate (melted for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (optional)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Crushed Candy Canes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the sides halfway through.
- Step 2: Add the eggs and vanilla extract. If you choose to use peppermint extract, add it here. Mix for another minute until well combined.
- Step 3: Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt just until combined. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into balls and space them 2 inches apart on the sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cookie edges are set.
- Step 5: Remove the cookies from the oven and quickly press a marshmallow half (cut side down) onto the center of each cookie. Return to the oven for 2 minutes until marshmallows puff slightly.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second increments until smooth. Add 1-2 teaspoons of oil if needed for a thinner consistency.
- Step 8: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate using a spoon, piping bag, or knife. If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the drizzle before it sets for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- For thicker cookies, increase the flour to 2 3/4 cups as suggested.
- Use peppermint extract sparingly to avoid overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate to suit your taste.
- If you don’t have marshmallows, try mini marshmallows scattered on top during the last bake.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven to soften the chocolate and marshmallow.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I skip the marshmallows in this recipe?
Yes, the cookies will still taste great without marshmallows. You can add mini chocolate chips or nuts as a substitute topping if you like.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate for drizzling?
Microwaving at 50% power in short increments helps prevent burning. Stir frequently and add a small amount of oil if the chocolate is too thick for easy drizzling.
Print
Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these warm and gooey Hot Cocoa Cookies that perfectly combine rich cocoa, melted chocolate chips, and toasted marshmallows. Finished with a drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate and an optional peppermint candy cane sprinkle, these cookies capture the comforting flavors of a classic hot cocoa in a delicious baked treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Butter (barely softened)
- 1 1/3 cups Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups Flour (for thicker cookies, may use 2 3/4 cups)
- 2/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Topping and Decoration
- 8 large Marshmallows (cut in half)
- 6 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate (melted for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (optional)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Crushed Candy Canes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cream: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the barely softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the two large eggs and the vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars. If you are using peppermint extract, add it at this stage. Mix everything together for another minute until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated without over-mixing. Next, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges have just set.
- Add Marshmallow Topping: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press half of a large marshmallow (cut side down) onto the center of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes until the marshmallows puff slightly.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess underneath.
- Melt Chocolate for Drizzle: Place the 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. Optionally, add 1-2 teaspoons of oil to thin the chocolate for easier drizzling.
- Decorate Cookies: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon, piping bag, or knife. For a festive peppermint twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the chocolate drizzle before it sets.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, increase flour to 2 3/4 cups.
- If peppermint extract is not preferred, it can be omitted without impacting the base flavor.
- Adding a teaspoon or two of oil to the melted chocolate helps make it smoother and easier to drizzle.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Cool cookies properly before drizzling to ensure the chocolate sets nicely.
- Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot cocoa cookies, chocolate marshmallow cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peppermint cookies

