Hot Chocolate Cookies

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate winter treat, combining the rich flavors of hot chocolate with the chewy goodness of a cookie. With melted chocolate, marshmallow chunks, and a soft, gooey center, these cookies will warm you up and satisfy your sweet tooth all at once. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or just because you need a chocolate fix!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup hot cocoa mix (preferably with marshmallows)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup mini marshmallows (or regular marshmallows cut into small pieces)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt.
Mix dry into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick.
Fold in chocolate chips and marshmallows: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. If you’re adding mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor, fold them in as well.
Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Flatten the cookies: Gently press down on each dough ball with your fingers or a fork to slightly flatten them. This will help them spread and bake evenly.
Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are set. The cookies should be soft and slightly gooey in the center.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warmth of these hot chocolate-inspired treats!

Tips:

For an extra touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle them with a bit of powdered sugar to make them look like a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream.
If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, add a bit of cocoa powder in addition to the hot cocoa mix.
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.