Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Cozy Winter Treat Straight from the Oven

hot chocolate cookies on a white plate with text that reads winter hot chocolate cookie recipe

There’s something about winter that just calls for a cup of hot chocolate. The warm mug between your hands, the sweet smell of cocoa in the air, and those melty little marshmallows floating on top — it’s pure comfort. These Hot Chocolate Cookies take everything you love about that classic winter drink and turn it into a soft, chewy, chocolatey cookie that’s every bit as cozy as the real thing.

These cookies have all the richness of hot cocoa, with pockets of melted chocolate and bursts of marshmallow in every bite. They’re the kind of treat that feels special but still simple enough to make on a weeknight or during a snow day. Whether you’re baking for a classroom party, a cookie exchange, or just a quiet afternoon at home, these are guaranteed to disappear fast.

To make these Hot Chocolate Cookies, you’ll need:

ingredients to make hot chocolate cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup instant hot chocolate mix (avoid sugar-free — you want the real stuff!)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1½ cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup marshmallow bits (the little ones made for hot chocolate)

This recipe makes about 36 cookies, which sounds like a lot — but trust me, they go quickly. If you plan on bringing them to an event, you may want to double the batch right from the start.

How to make the hot chocolate cookies

Start by creaming together your butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix until everything is light and fluffy — this is the base of your dough, and it helps give the cookies that perfect chewy texture. Add in your eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, hot chocolate mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. The hot chocolate mix gives the dough that signature cocoa flavor — rich, sweet, and just a little nostalgic. When you mix it in, your kitchen will already start to smell like a winter wonderland.

Gradually combine your dry ingredients with the butter and sugar mixture. Mix just until everything is incorporated — overmixing can make the cookies tough, and you want them to stay soft and chewy. Once the dough is ready, fold in the milk chocolate chips and marshmallow bits. The chocolate adds melty richness, while the marshmallows puff up slightly as they bake, giving that perfect “hot cocoa” look and taste.

If you’d like, set aside a few chocolate chips and marshmallow bits to press into the tops of your cookies before baking. It makes them look extra festive — like a bakery treat straight out of a holiday display.

Now comes the most important step: chill the dough. Place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight if you have the time. This allows the butter to firm up and the flavors to deepen, resulting in cookies that are perfectly thick and chewy rather than flat.

hot chocolate cookie dough rolled into balls on parchment paper

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place each scoop about two to three inches apart on the sheet. These cookies spread a little as they bake, so give them space to breathe.

If you saved any extra chocolate chips or marshmallow bits, press a few gently into the tops of each cookie before baking — it’s a simple touch that makes them look beautifully finished.

Bake at 350°F for about 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook a bit as they cool, so don’t overbake. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

When you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these have become one of my go-to winter cookie recipes. The flavor is deep and chocolatey, with just the right amount of sweetness. The marshmallow bits melt slightly, leaving gooey pockets that taste exactly like marshmallows floating on a cup of cocoa. And the chocolate chips? They add that little extra indulgence we all need when the weather turns cold.

How to incorporate these cookies in your schedule

These cookies are perfect for so many occasions. In the classroom, they make a wonderful treat for a winter party or a “Polar Express” movie day. Because the dough can be made ahead of time, you can easily bake a fresh batch right before the party — your room will smell amazing, and the kids will love the connection to everyone’s favorite winter drink.

At home, they’re a cozy baking project for snowy afternoons. There’s something special about making a batch of cookies when it’s cold outside — the sound of the mixer, the smell of chocolate, and the warmth of the oven filling the kitchen. Kids love helping with this recipe too, especially folding in the marshmallow bits and pressing extra toppings on top.

You can even turn this recipe into a full family activity. Pair it with a hot chocolate bar — set out mugs, cocoa, whipped cream, candy canes, and your freshly baked cookies for dipping. It’s the perfect winter night tradition, especially when paired with a holiday movie or storytime.

For classrooms or homeschool settings, this recipe can even become part of a lesson. You can tie it into a reading activity with books like The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg or Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner. Students can enjoy their cookies while writing about their favorite winter memories or describing their ideal snow day. For older students, it’s a great way to discuss how following a recipe connects to sequencing and measurement skills in math.

Why we love these hot chocolate cookies

a hand holding a half eaten hot chocolate cookie

From a practical standpoint, these cookies are great because they travel well and stay soft for days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay chewy and delicious all week — if they last that long. They also freeze beautifully. Just roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake as needed for fresh, warm cookies any time.

If you want to dress them up for gifting, stack a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag and tie with festive ribbon. Pair them with a packet of hot cocoa mix and a candy cane for an adorable, budget-friendly Christmas gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends.

A deliciously easy christmas treat

The beauty of these Hot Chocolate Cookies is that they’re simple, comforting, and full of holiday magic. They taste like winter — sweet, rich, and nostalgic, with a gooey center that feels like a warm hug. They’re the kind of cookie that makes you want to pour a mug of cocoa, sit by the tree, and soak in every twinkle light.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just because it’s chilly outside, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday favorite. One bite, and you’ll agree — this is hot chocolate, baked to perfection.

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