Hot Chocolate Cookies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup mini marshmallows - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) For these hot chocolate cookies, each ingredient plays a key role. The unsalted butter gives the cookies a rich flavor and soft texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel taste, while granulated sugar helps with sweetness and crunch. Eggs bind the dough and help it rise. Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth. All-purpose flour forms the base, while cocoa powder gives that distinct chocolate flavor. Baking soda ensures a nice puff, and sea salt balances the sweetness. Chocolate chips and mini marshmallows are the stars. They melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness. The cinnamon is optional but adds a cozy touch, enhancing the hot chocolate theme. This mix of ingredients creates a cookie that is soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Each bite will take you back to the joy of sipping hot cocoa. For the full recipe, check out the instructions! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. - Cream butter and sugars together until smooth. - Incorporate eggs and vanilla into the mix. - Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. This includes flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. - Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. - Fold in chocolate chips and mini marshmallows gently. - Portion out dough onto baking sheets, leaving space between cookies. - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set. - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to racks. For the full recipe, refer to the main article. To get the perfect texture in your hot chocolate cookies, mixing time is key. Cream the butter and sugars for about three minutes. This helps to incorporate air, making cookies light and chewy. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. It's okay if some flour streaks remain in the dough. Adding ground cinnamon is a great way to boost flavor. It gives the cookies a warm, cozy touch. Use high-quality chocolate for the best taste. The chocolate you choose can make a big difference. Look for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. For a lovely presentation, sprinkle the finished cookies with cocoa powder. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate. This adds a nice touch and makes them look fancy. Serve your cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate. They pair perfectly together and create a fun experience. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your hot chocolate cookies. One fun way is to add peppermint extract. This gives a fresh, minty flavor that feels festive. Just use about 1 teaspoon for a nice hint. Another twist is swapping in white chocolate chips. They add a creamy sweetness that pairs well with cocoa. If you need gluten-free cookies, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in cookies. For a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based option. You can also use flax eggs in place of regular eggs. Just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Get creative with toppings! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans. They give a crunchy texture and extra flavor. Drizzling the cookies with caramel or chocolate sauce adds a special touch. It makes them even more tempting and fun to eat. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your hot chocolate cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from drying them out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking. The best temperature for storing cookies is at room temperature. Avoid warm or humid areas, as they can affect texture. You can freeze baked cookies for later snacks! To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy a cookie, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. For the best texture upon reheating, warm it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. This will restore that chewy goodness! If you want to enjoy them right away, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your delicious hot chocolate cookies anytime! Look for the edges of the cookies. They should look set and firm. The centers will be soft and a bit shiny. This means your cookies are ready to come out. I suggest checking them at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes. This helps them finish cooking and gives you that chewy texture. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge or freezer. If you refrigerate it, you can keep it for up to three days. For freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can freeze the dough for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Flat cookies often come from a few reasons. One common reason is using melted butter instead of softened butter. This can cause the dough to spread too much. Another reason is too much sugar, which can also make cookies flat. To fix this, use softened butter and measure your sugar carefully. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps cookies rise and stay thick. You now have a complete guide to making delicious cookies. We started with the essential ingredients that create the base of your treats. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions to mix, shape, and bake them to perfection. I also gave you tips to enhance flavor and texture, plus ideas for fun variations. Finally, I covered storage tips to keep your cookies fresh. Now it's time to gather your ingredients and start baking. Enjoy your delicious creations and share them with friends and family!$

Indulge in the warmth and joy of hot chocolate cookies with this delightful recipe! These chewy cookies combine all the classic flavors you love, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to bake and utterly irresistible, they come loaded with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for a gooey center. Don’t wait any longer—click through to discover the full recipe and bring sweet smiles to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended for warmth)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, sea salt, and ground cinnamon (if using) until thoroughly combined.

Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix; it's okay if a few flour streaks remain.

Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, ensuring even distribution without breaking the marshmallows.

Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft and gooey.

After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and drizzle with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch. Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate!