These Hot Cocoa Cookies are easy to make, perfect for holiday dessert trays, and full of cozy hot cocoa flavor. Made with sugar cookie mix, cocoa powder, and mini marshmallows, they deliver all the warmth of a cup of cocoa in every sweet bite.
This post may contain affiliate links. Making a purchase through one of these links helps support this blog.
A few weeks ago, I put together my holiday cookie baking list for this year and decided to include a cookie I whipped up on a whim last season - hot cocoa cookies. With an extra package of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix on hand, I prepared it as directed, then stirred in cocoa powder and mini dehydrated marshmallows. Nothing says cozy like a cup of hot cocoa this time of year, so I knew these cookies would be the perfect addition to my holiday trays!
These cookies are sweet, chocolaty, and just a little chewy. Perfect for both kids and adults! If your holiday cookie trays are missing one last treat, these hot cocoa inspired cookies are a quick and easy solution, packed with comforting cocoa flavor. I use mini dehydrated marshmallows so they don’t melt into the cookies. Instead, they give each bite a fun, marshmallow crunch! It's like having a sip of hot cocoa in cookie form!
Hot Cocoa Cookie Flavor Variations
I find that these cookies are delicious just as they are, but for some fun and festive twists, you can create some flavor variations:
- Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract for a seasonal spin
- Milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips give these cookies an extra chocolaty flavor
- Add a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread in place of the cocoa powder for a nutty and decadent variation
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the chocolate flavor
- Drizzled melted chocolate over the top and add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch
You might be wondering if you can add hot cocoa to these cookies. Yes and no. You could, but I'd suggest omitting any added sugar. Also, keep in mind that hot cocoa mix could change the texture of your cookies. So honestly, I'd stick to just using cocoa powder and other simple ingredients.
How to Make Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies
If you're looking for an easy cookie to add to holiday dessert trays or a cozy winter treat, bake up a batch of these hot cocoa cookies! They bring that warm, chocolaty, marshmallow goodness of a cup of hot cocoa in a fun dessert that celebrates the season! Just grab a package of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix and a handful of other baking ingredients to make this sweet treat!
Ready to whip up this easy holiday cookie? First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Then, prepare the cookie dough.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, cocoa powder, and salt together. Then, add the butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the mini dehydrated marshmallows (I got them from Nuts.com). Don't overdo it or the marshmallows might start to get sticky and we don't want that. We want them to keep some of their crunch.
Now, we're going to scoop out tablespoonfuls of cookie dough, roll them into a ball, and place them on the baking sheet. Keep them about 2 inches apart and press them down slightly.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they're set in the middle and slightly browned around the edges. Let the cookies cool completely before storing or gifting.
Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 package Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini dehydrated marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, cocoa powder, and salt together. Add the butter, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the mini dehydrated marshmallows just until incorporated.
- Scoop out tablespoonfuls of cookie dough. Roll dough into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheets. Space 2 inches apart and press dough balls down slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake cookies 10-12 minutes, or until set in the middle and slightly browned around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing or gifting.
I bake all of my Christmas cookies ahead of time. So if you're looking to store these cookies, after they've cooled, place them in an airtight container (or cookie tin) and keep them in a cool place. They'll even do well in the freezer. You can store the cookie dough in portions for easy baking, or freeze the baked cookies to enjoy at a later time.
Did you make this Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe? Share it on social media using the hashtag #holokahome. Don’t forget to tag me @holokahome!
