If you are looking for a delightful way to bring joy and coziness to your holiday season, look no further than the Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe. These cookies are like a warm hug in dessert form, packed with rich cocoa, melty chocolate, and the nostalgic charm of mini marshmallows. Each bite melts in your mouth with gooey magic, while festive sprinkles and crushed candy canes add that perfect holiday sparkle. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a treasured tradition once you taste its comforting, chocolaty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy sweetness, and that signature soft, gooey center that defines the Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup/115g): Provides a creamy base and helps achieve the tender texture everyone loves.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup/100g): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp on the cookie edges.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup/100g, packed): Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for depth.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, bringing warmth and complexity.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup/125g): Forms the structure of the cookies without weighing them down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup/45g): Infuses a deep, chocolatey richness that’s unmistakable.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft yet fluffy bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Loosens the dough slightly for that perfect soft texture.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (1/2 cup): Melts into pockets of intense chocolate gooeyness.
- Mini marshmallows (1/2 cup): Bring that iconic hot cocoa charm with their pillowy melt.
- Extra chocolate chunks, crushed candy canes, and festive sprinkles: Optional toppings that add texture, holiday cheer, and a fun look.
How to Make Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple preparation step sets the stage for perfect cookie baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two minutes. This crucial step incorporates air that helps create that delightfully soft yet structured cookie crumb we’re aiming for in the Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth. The egg adds richness and helps the dough hold together, while the vanilla boost brings much-needed warmth and aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Mixing gradually ensures the cocoa and flour blend evenly, giving that deep chocolaty flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 5: Add Milk and Mix-Ins
Add the tablespoon of milk to slightly loosen the dough for the ideal spread during baking. Then, carefully fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. These mix-ins are what make these cookies so irresistibly gooey and festive, reminiscent of all the best parts of hot cocoa in cookie form.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each to allow room for spreading. Press extra chocolate chunks, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles onto the tops if you want an extra festive finish. They not only add holiday cheer but also layers of flavor and texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are just set and centers that still look soft and a bit underbaked. This precise timing creates the perfect balance in the Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe — a cookie that’s soft and gooey right where you want it.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes so they set up properly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep their lovely texture intact while they finish cooling.
How to Serve Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe
Garnishes
For an even more festive presentation, top your cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate. Crushed candy canes or festive colored sprinkles will brighten their appearance and add a cheerful crunch, elevating the holiday vibes of your Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy combo. They also shine alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you want to transform them into a holiday dessert sensation.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your goodies on a decorated holiday platter or in a glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for gifting. You can even layer them with a marshmallow and candy cane in between for cookie sandwiches that wow the eyes as much as the taste buds, especially when sharing your Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully soft and fresh for up to four days, ready to be enjoyed as a midday treat or a late-night snack.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time to accommodate.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for a few minutes. This quick reheat makes those gooey chocolate chips melt once more, like you just took them out of the oven fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of chips?
Absolutely! Chocolate chunks, chopped bars, or even white chocolate pieces work beautifully. Each gives a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite twist on the Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
Regular-sized marshmallows can be cut into smaller pieces or replaced with marshmallow fluff swirled into the dough for that signature gooey bite. The key is to keep that melty, soft charm that marshmallows bring to these cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Just watch the texture and baking time carefully, as gluten-free flours behave differently.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, with a few swaps! Use vegan butter or coconut oil, a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, and dairy-free chocolate chips. The marshmallows can be tricky, so look for vegan-certified marshmallows or omit them and add extra chocolate or nuts instead.
How do I get the perfect gooey center every time?
Timing is everything! Bake just until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. Cooling on the baking sheet helps them finish setting while maintaining that soft, gooey heart we all crave in the Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe.
Final Thoughts
These Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe are truly a gift to your taste buds and holiday traditions. With their rich chocolate flavor, melty marshmallow bites, and cheerful festive touches, they bring warmth and joy to any gathering or quiet night in. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the cozy magic with your loved ones – it might just become your new holiday favorite!
Print
Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey & Festive Hot Cocoa Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich cocoa flavor with melty chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for a cozy, indulgent bite. Topped with extra chocolate chunks, crushed candy canes, and colorful sprinkles, they are perfect for spreading holiday cheer with every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Toppings
- Extra chocolate chunks
- Crushed candy canes
- Sprinkles for a festive touch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. This step helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough has a smooth consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients to form the cookie dough.
- Loosen Dough and Fold in Mix-ins: Add one tablespoon of milk to loosen the dough slightly. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for gooey pockets of sweetness.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press extra chocolate chunks, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles onto the top of each dough ball for a festive presentation.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without losing their fudgy center.
Notes
- For extra gooey cookies, avoid overbaking; remove them when edges are set but centers still look soft.
- You can substitute the chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
- If you prefer, use dairy-free butter and milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly (though it won’t be strictly vegan due to the egg).
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Crushed candy canes add a minty contrast to the chocolate but can be omitted if desired.
