Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies
These Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies are everything cozy and festive in one bite. With a soft, brownie-like center, gooey melted chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow topping, they taste just like a mug of hot cocoa but in cookie form. Each bite delivers rich chocolate comfort, made even better with a hint of holiday spice and sweet seasonal charm.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, wrapping up edible gifts, or just want to fill your home with the aroma of chocolate bliss, this cookie recipe is a holiday must. They bring nostalgic warmth and pure joy, perfect with a glass of milk or next to the fireplace.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies
They combine everything you love about hot chocolate with the joy of Christmas cookies. Imagine biting into a fudgy cookie topped with a melty chocolate square and a perfectly browned marshmallow—each bite is gooey, chocolatey, and utterly festive. They’re also fun to make, especially with kids.
What Kind of Cocoa or Marshmallows Should I Use?
For deep, intense flavor, opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed gives a smooth, rich taste, while natural cocoa gives a lighter, more old-fashioned flavor. Mini marshmallows are great for quick melting, but large marshmallows cut in half work wonderfully too if you want a dramatic, toasty topper.
Ingredients for the Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies
To get that deep chocolate flavor and gooey texture, each ingredient here plays a role. These cookies are rich and chewy thanks to the right balance of butter, sugars, and flour, while the marshmallow and chocolate topping delivers that hot cocoa effect.
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate squares or chocolate chips

How To Make the Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for a chewy cookie.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This ensures a rich flavor base.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. You want the cookies just set but still soft in the center.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Remove the cookies from the oven, press a square of chocolate into the center, then top with a marshmallow. Return to the oven for 2 more minutes until the marshmallow starts to puff.
Step 6: Toast and Cool
For that toasty marshmallow effect, broil the cookies for 30 seconds or use a kitchen torch. Let them cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve and Store Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies
These cookies are best served slightly warm, when the marshmallow is still gooey and the chocolate is melted. They make a festive treat for dessert platters, holiday cookie exchanges, or even as a sweet gift wrapped in a tin. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, enough to serve 10 to 12 people depending on portions.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, freeze the baked cookies (without marshmallows) and add the toppings fresh when reheating.
What to Serve With Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies?
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream
Go all-in on the hot cocoa theme with a steaming cup topped with a swirl of peppermint cream.
Spiced Chai Latte
The warmth of chai spices pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor.
Fresh Berry Compote
A tart berry sauce on the side adds brightness and balance to the rich cookie.
Eggnog or Holiday Punch
Perfect for a festive drink-and-cookie combo.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzle a little on your cookie plate for a decadent twist.
Vanilla Ice Cream
A warm cookie with cold ice cream? Always a yes.
Toasted Nuts
Serve with candied pecans or almonds for a little crunch on the side.
Cheese Board
Create a holiday spread with cookies and soft cheeses for a surprising savory-sweet combo.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth buttery treat.
- Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls if you’re into soft, fruity breakfast bakes.
- Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies for a hearty, chewy delight.
- White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles if you crave zesty holiday indulgence.
- Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake for a nostalgic dessert moment.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you torch the marshmallows or broil them? Did you go classic or add a peppermint twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies are the kind of cozy holiday treat that makes everything feel a little more magical. Whether you make them for a party, a gift box, or just for fun, they bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Happy baking!

Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies are rich, gooey, and perfect for the holidays. Fudgy chocolate cookies topped with melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows make a cozy winter dessert. Ideal for Christmas cookie trays and edible gifts.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
0.5 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
24 mini marshmallows
24 chocolate squares or chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until combined.
5. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, press a chocolate square into each cookie, then top with a marshmallow.
7. Return to oven for 2 minutes until marshmallows puff.
8. Optional: Broil for 30 seconds or torch marshmallows for a toasted top.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer flavor.
Don’t overbake; cookies should stay soft.
For dramatic effect, cut large marshmallows in half instead of minis.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg


