Gluesticks Blog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • DIY
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • DIY
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Cookies » Drop Cookies

    Hot Cocoa Cookies (+ Video)

    November 4, 2022 By Brandy 26 Comments

    ↓ Jump to Recipe

    Hot cocoa cookies are chocolatey, rich, full of marshmallows, and delicious. Just like a cup of decadent hot cocoa.

    You might also like our grasshopper cookies, our Texas sheet cake cookies, or our rocky road cookies!

    hot cocoa cookies

    Watch our step by step video!

    If you're looking for a cookie to wow friends this year at cookie exchanges and holiday parties this is it! These hot cocoa cookies are so delicious, and loaded with chocolate and marshmallows.

    hot cocoa cookies next to a mug of hot cocoa

    I make mine with dark baking cocoa, but you can use whatever you have in your cupboard. The cookies are topped with half of a marshmallow as soon as they come out of the oven then go back into the oven for a couple more minutes. This allows the marshmallow to get nice and soft before pressing it down with a spoon to flatten it.

    hot cocoa cookie broken in half

    A chocolate ganache glaze is drizzled over the cookies and sprinkles are added to make them nice and festive. Once the ganache sets up these cookies can be stored in a container for easy transport! This recipe makes 28 cookies.

    What people are saying about these cookies

    "This is one of the best cookie recipes I have ever made and I have made a lot. Did not disappoint. This will be a family favorite for years to come. Thank you."

    "I made these cookies last weekend as a test run for a cookie exchange. Huge success, deliciously easy and I’m making the 9 dozen needed today! Highly recommend the recipe!"

    hot cocoa cookies with mug of hot cocoa

    Hot Cocoa Cookies Ingredients

    (Scroll to the end of the post for a printable version)

    CHOCOLATE COOKIE DOUGH

    Ingredients

    • melted butter
    • unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Hershey's Special Dark for these)
    • brown sugar
    • white sugar
    • vanilla extract
    • large eggs
    • baking soda
    • salt
    • all-purpose flour

    The chocolate cookie dough is fool-proof and yields perfect cookies every time. I use it as a base for all of my chocolate cookie recipes!

    hot cocoa cookies on parchment paper

    CHOCOLATE GLAZE

    Ingredients

    • milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • milk
    • butter
    • honey (or corn syrup)

    My glaze is one that I use for donuts, Hostess cupcakes, and s’mores cookies. Perfect for dipping and spooning. I use the microwave to prepare my glaze, but you can do it over the stove (on medium-low heat) or in a double boiler.

    hand holding hot cocoa cookie

    How To Make Hot Cocoa Cookies

    Combine melted butter and cocoa powder in a large bowl and mix. Add sugars and mix until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients.

    Chill cookie dough in the refrigerator for 45 minutes to an hour.

    Scoop cookie dough onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

    marshmallows on cutting board

    While cookies bake, cut marshmallows in half using a pair of scissors.

    cookies in oven with marshmallows on top

    Place half of a marshmallow (sticky-side-down) on top of the hot cookies. Place cookies BACK INTO THE OVEN and bake another 2-3 minutes, until marshmallows look slightly puffy. DO NOT OVERCOOK MARSHMALLOWS.

    Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press each marshmallow down with the back of a spoon.

    Let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Melt glaze ingredients together and drizzle over cookies. Add sprinkles, if desired.

    Refrigerate or place in the freezer until the glaze sets up.

    hot cocoa cookies with sprinkles

    These cookies can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. Lightly cover the cookie sheet with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

    Hot Cocoa Cookies

    hot cocoa cookies with sprinkles

    Hot Cocoa Cookies

    Hot cocoa cookies are chocolatey, rich, full of marshmallows, and delicious. Just like a cup of decadent hot cocoa.
    4.97 from 27 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 1 hour hour
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Chill: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 28 cookies
    Calories: 195kcal

    Ingredients

    COOKIES

    • 1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)
    • ½ cup cocoa powder
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup white sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 ¼ cups flour
    • 14 marshmallows (not miniature)

    CHOCOLATE GLAZE

    • 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
    • 3 Tablespoons butter
    • 4 teaspoons milk
    • 4 teaspoons honey (or corn syrup)

    Instructions

    Cookies

    • Melt two sticks of butter (1 cup) in the microwave. Combine melted butter and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. Stir until smooth.
    • Mix brown sugar and white sugar with the butter/cocoa mixture.
    • Add eggs and vanilla.
    • Mix in salt, baking soda, and flour.
    • Cover bowl with plastic and chill dough for 45 minutes- 1 hour.
      Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Scoop dough onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets using a medium cookie scoop (2 Tbsp. size).
    • Bake cookies for 10 minutes. While cookies bake cut marshmallows in half with scissors.
      Place a marshmallow half (sticky side down) onto each hot cookie. Place cookies back in the oven and bake an additional 2-3 minutes (marshmallows should be slightly puffed). DO NOT OVERBAKE MARSHMALLOWS.
    • Press each marshmallow down with the back of a spoon.
    • Let cool on a cookie sheet for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Glaze

    • Heat glaze ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir. Heat for an additional 15-20 seconds. Stir until smooth and creamy. If additional time is needed do it in 10-second increments.
      Note: You can use a double boiler or small saucepan over the stove to melt the chocolate and glaze instead of a microwave if you want.
      Drizzle glaze over cookies. Add sprinkles, if desired.
      Allow glaze to set up (placing cookies back into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes will speed this up).
      Cookies can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

    Notes

    I use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer or Danish dough whisk works as well.
    I always use salted butter in my baking, but you can use unsalted butter.
    Melted butter can be used warm (no need to cool).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcal
    Share
    Pin

    More Christmas Recipes

    • gingerbread cookies on cookie sheet
      Teddy Bear Gingerbread Cookies
    • brownie truffles in liners
      Brownie Truffles (No Frosting or Cream Cheese Necessary)
    • snowman sugar cookies with scarves
      Chubby Snowman Sugar Cookies
    • baking sheet with frosted christmas tree cookies
      Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

    About Brandy

    Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

    Comments

    1. Jackie says

      December 16, 2024 at 12:03 am

      Have you ever mailed cookies? And would this be one you could mail do you think? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 16, 2024 at 7:54 am

        Hi! I’ve only ever mailed Rice Krispies treats and things like that. These are soft enough to stay fresh for a few days!

        Reply
    2. Denise says

      January 12, 2024 at 3:17 pm

      I made these at Christmas time and had left over Glaze. It has been stored in a sealed plastic bottle (for drizzling) in the refrigerator. Is it still safe to use after I remelt it?

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        January 12, 2024 at 8:35 pm

        I just looked it up and found that ganache lasts 2-3 weeks if refrigerated.

        Reply
    3. Kylia says

      January 07, 2023 at 8:34 am

      I can not wait to try these today ! I will let you know how they come out.

      Reply
    4. Tracy says

      December 12, 2022 at 11:05 am

      Can you freeze these?

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 12, 2022 at 1:04 pm

        Yes

        Reply
    5. Becki Talcott says

      December 11, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      I just made these and they were easy and taste delicious but for some reason my are crispy not soft.

      Reply
    6. Cindy says

      December 10, 2022 at 11:49 am

      Could you use mini marshmallows instead?

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 10, 2022 at 12:02 pm

        Absolutely! They cookies will look a little different on top, but will taste equally delicious!

        Reply
    7. Lisa says

      December 09, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      So I'm trying these cookies for a cookie swap. Because I have to make 10 dozen, I am thinking of making the cookies one day and then just topping them when it gets closer. I was thinking that it probably isn't the best idea to put the cookies back in the oven once they're cooled, so thoughts about maybe using marshmallow fluff and then a butane torch to "brown" them? I feel like in theory it should work. Thoughts? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 09, 2022 at 4:18 pm

        Hi Lisa! I think you could put the cookies back in the oven to soften the marshmallows. It wouldn't be the same as putting the marshmallows on a hot cookie, but would still soften the marshmallows. I haven't tried using marshmallow fluff, but I'm sure it'd be delicious. It would just be more sticky than regular marshmallows. 🙂 Side note: these stay soft for a few days. You could make them a day or two before you need them and they'd be fine.

        Reply
    8. Laura C says

      December 06, 2022 at 10:01 am

      Hi, Brandy,
      Can I freeze the dough, and if so, should I freeze as a whole or scoop them?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 06, 2022 at 10:02 am

        Hi Laura! I'd freeze them already scooped. 🙂

        Reply
        • Laura C says

          December 06, 2022 at 6:03 pm

          I’m happy you said this, as I needed to get them finished, and they’re all scooped and in the freezer! I will let you know how they come out.
          Thank you!

          Reply
    9. Lena says

      December 04, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      4 stars
      Followed the recipe and my cookies came out dry. Any reason why? Other than that the tasted delicious. Planning on trying the recipe one more time. Thanks

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 05, 2022 at 8:38 am

        Hi Lena! I’m not sure! There can be factors such as elevation and humidity depending on where you live. Maybe drop the flour a bit on the next batch or pull out of the oven a little early?

        Reply
        • Nikki says

          December 13, 2022 at 11:04 am

          Did you maybe cook them a bit longer once you put the marshmallow on? Maybe only cook them 8-9 minutes and then and additional 2 minutes once the marshmallow has been put on.

          Reply
    10. Heidi Daniels says

      December 03, 2022 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      I made these cookies last weekend as a test run for a cookie exchange. Huge success, deliciously easy and I’m making the 9 dozen needed today! Highly recommend recipe!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 03, 2022 at 1:18 pm

        Awesome!! This made my day, Heidi!

        Reply
    11. Debbie says

      November 27, 2022 at 4:25 pm

      Can these cookies be frozen?

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        November 27, 2022 at 4:42 pm

        I haven’t tried freezing them before. The cookies and ganache would freeze well, I’m just not sure about the marshmallows.

        Reply
    12. Devin says

      November 22, 2022 at 9:41 pm

      This is one of the best cookie recipes I have ever made and I have made a lot. Did not disappoint. This will be a family favorite for years to come. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        November 23, 2022 at 10:43 am

        Thank you! So glad to hear!

        Reply
    13. audrey says

      November 04, 2022 at 3:59 pm

      Thoughts on packing these for gifts? I assume they are fairly sticky.
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        November 04, 2022 at 4:25 pm

        The ganache will set up on top allowing them to be packaged. They are a soft cookie so I wouldn’t stack them higher than 2 cookies tall.

        Reply
    4.97 from 27 votes (25 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Welcome!

    I'm Brandy! I love to create and share my ideas through easy-to-follow recipes and tutorials.

    More about me

    As an Amazon Associate, I make a small commission on qualifying purchases.

    sew with me kids sewing book
    My Book

    Latest Posts

    • tray of baked cookies on parchment paper
      Martha-Stewart-Fired-Me Cookies
    • frosted and unfrosted sugar cookies
      Old Fashioned Buttermilk Sugar Cookies
    • jar of ranch dressing
      Homemade Ranch Dressing (Better Than Store-Bought!)
    • platter of onion rings
      Crispy Buttermilk Onion Rings

    Seasonal

    • M&M Cookies piled on top of each other
      Soft M&M Cookies (Soft and Thick) + Video
    • red, white and blue shortbread cookies
      Patriotic Shortbread Cookies (Video)
    • star shaped cookie with frosting and fruit
      Red White & Blue Mini Fruit Pizzas (Video)
    • Simple and Inexpensive Patriotic Wreath Tutorial

    Footer

    ↑ Back to Top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Gluesticks Blog

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.