Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, then these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies are just the thing! Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy cookie that tastes just like your favorite cup of hot cocoa, complete with gooey vegan marshmallows melting right in the center. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone is just craving something sweet and cozy. Whether you’re hosting friends for a cookie swap or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies will surely bring smiles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the chocolatey goodness and chewy texture.
• Perfect for any occasion: These cookies are great for holiday get-togethers, gifts, or simply treating yourself after a long day.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you need them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies is as easy as gathering some wholesome ingredients from your kitchen. You likely have most of these on hand already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 113 g unsalted butter, softened
• 200 g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 130 g all-purpose flour
• 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 12 large vegan marshmallows, halved
• 120 g semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 60 ml heavy cream
• festive sprinkles, optional

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative with your cookie creations. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add minty freshness: Mix in some peppermint extract for a refreshing twist reminiscent of holiday flavors.
• Try different chocolates: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate chips to suit your taste.
• Include nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor enhancement.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results without gluten.

How to Make Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking while preventing the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This process is key because it adds air into the mixture, helping create light, chewy cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully combined. The eggs contribute moisture and richness, while vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring consistent flavor throughout your cookies.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing; you want to keep it tender for those chewy bites everyone loves!

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart. This allows room for spreading as they bake.

Step 7: Bake with Marshmallows

Bake your cookies for about 10 minutes. Then gently press half of a vegan marshmallow into each cookie before returning them to the oven.

Step 8: Soften Marshmallows

Bake for an additional 2 minutes to soften the marshmallows without letting them melt completely. This creates that ooey-gooey center we all crave!

Step 9: Prepare Chocolate Glaze

While your cookies cool slightly, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second bursts. Stir between intervals until smooth—this glaze brings everything together beautifully!

Step 10: Glaze Your Cookies

Spoon melted chocolate over each marshmallow-topped cookie right after taking them out of the oven. Feel free to sprinkle those festive sprinkles on top before the glaze sets!

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Let your cookies cool on a wire rack until the glaze hardens slightly. This ensures that every bite delivers rich flavor with that perfect chewy texture.

Now that you’ve got this delightful recipe down, you can share these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies with friends and family—or keep them all to yourself! Enjoy every chewy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a piece of cake with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, leading to a more even texture in your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the chewy texture we’re aiming for.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape, resulting in perfect cookie rounds.

• Watch the baking time closely: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the timer goes off. You want them set but still soft in the center for that chewy goodness!

• Store properly for freshness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days (if they last that long!).

How to Serve Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

These Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on cozy nights in.

Garnishes

• Festive sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of colorful holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the chocolate glaze to bring extra cheer and color to your cookies.
• Chocolate shavings: For a touch of elegance, use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from a bar of dark chocolate and sprinkle them over the cookies right after glazing.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: What better pairing than a warm cup of rich hot cocoa? It complements the flavors in the cookies beautifully and enhances that cozy vibe.
• Peppermint tea: A soothing peppermint tea offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies while keeping with festive flavors.
• Vanilla almond milk: Pouring some chilled vanilla almond milk alongside these cookies provides a creamy balance that’s both delicious and dairy-free.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of these decadent cookies.

Enjoy every bite of these delicious treats, whether you’re savoring them alone or sharing them with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you crave something sweet. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or just want a cozy snack on hand, these cookies store wonderfully!

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
• Avoid refrigerating, as this can alter their chewy texture.

Freezing

• Allow the baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick reheat.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

How do I achieve the perfect chewiness in my Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies?

To maintain that soft and chewy texture, avoid over-mixing your dough after adding the dry ingredients. Also, be mindful not to overbake—remove them from the oven when they’re still soft in the center.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the chocolate glaze?

You can use coconut cream or any plant-based milk alternative combined with a little cornstarch to thicken it. This way, you still get that rich chocolatey goodness without using heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delightful Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies! They not only bring together comforting flavors but also create wonderful memories during the holiday season or any cozy day spent indoors. Enjoy making them as much as you’ll enjoy eating them! Don’t forget to share your cookie adventures—happy baking!