Hot Chocolate Cookie Recipe: 5 Steps to Cozy Bliss

Name: Hot Chocolate Cookie Recipe: 5 Steps to Cozy Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

June 1, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking cookies, is there? The smell wafting through the house, the warm, gooey goodness waiting for you at the end—it’s pure magic! Let me tell you, my all-time favorite cookie has to be the hot chocolate cookie. It’s like having a cozy cup of hot cocoa in cookie form! I remember the first time I made these with my little ones; their eyes lit up at the sight of melting chocolate chips and the rich, chocolaty aroma filling the air. We giggled and danced around the kitchen as we waited for the cookies to bake, and when they finally came out, they were soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you bake a batch of these hot chocolate cookies, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s get started on this delightful treat together!

hot chocolate cookie - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

How to Prepare Hot Chocolate Cookies

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and gooey. Trust me, nothing’s worse than cookies that are undercooked in the middle or overbaked on the edges. So, while we mix our ingredients, the oven will be getting nice and toasty!

Mix Dry Ingredients

Now, grab a medium-sized bowl and let’s mix our dry ingredients together. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully and taste just right!

Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a separate large bowl, we’re going to beat our softened butter and sugars. Take 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s at room temperature, so it mixes easily!) and combine it with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat the mixture until it’s creamy and light in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier your butter and sugar mix, the softer your cookies will be!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Once your butter mixture is creamy, it’s time to add in the good stuff! Crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. The vanilla adds that lovely aromatic flavor we all adore, so don’t skip it!

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time to combine our dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently. I like to do this in three parts—add a little dry mix, stir, add a little more, stir, and so on—until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; we want those cookies to stay soft and chewy!

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Here comes the best part—folding in the chocolate chips! Gently add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough and use a spatula to fold them in carefully. You want to make sure the chips are evenly distributed without overmixing. This step is key to keeping that soft texture we love!

Shape and Bake Cookies

Now it’s time to shape our cookies! Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. This is crucial—overbaking will lead to crunchy cookies instead of soft ones!

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely. I like to serve these warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra treat. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s dive into some tips that will help you nail these hot chocolate cookies every single time! Trust me, a little attention to detail can make a huge difference.

Don’t Overbake

This is probably the most important tip! You want your cookies to be soft and gooey, so keep an eye on them as they bake. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven. Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Your patience will pay off!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly, giving you that perfect cookie texture. If you forget to take them out ahead of time, don’t worry! Just pop the butter in the microwave for a few seconds (just until soft, not melted) and let the egg sit in warm water for a bit.

Get Creative with Add-Ins

Feeling adventurous? You can totally customize your cookies! Consider adding some chopped nuts for a bit of crunch or even mini marshmallows for that extra hot chocolate vibe. Just remember to adjust the amount of chocolate chips slightly if you’re adding in other goodies, so your dough doesn’t get too overloaded!

Chill the Dough for Extra Softness

If you have a bit of time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape and keep them soft. Plus, it makes the flavors mingle even more! Just wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge while you’re waiting.

Trust Your Nose

Lastly, trust your nose! If your kitchen starts smelling like chocolate heaven, your cookies are probably getting close to being done. That heavenly aroma is a good sign that your treats are on the right track!

FAQ Section

Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! These hot chocolate cookies freeze wonderfully. Just let them cool completely after baking, then place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up again. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delicious!

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

No cocoa powder? No problem! You can substitute it with an equal amount of carob powder for a slightly different flavor. Another option is to use extra flour—just replace the cocoa powder with 1/2 cup more all-purpose flour. Keep in mind, though, that the cookies won’t have that rich chocolate flavor, but they’ll still be tasty!

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Making these cookies gluten-free is super easy! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum, which helps give the cookies that chewy texture we love. If your blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, you can add about 1/4 teaspoon of it to your dry ingredients. That way, you’ll still get that delightful soft and gooey cookie experience!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Keep in mind that the nutritional values for these hot chocolate cookies can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a typical estimate per cookie:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 80mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

These estimates can help guide your choices, especially if you’re watching your dietary intake. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these cookies up in no time!
Deliciously Decadent: The rich chocolate flavor combined with gooey chocolate chips makes every bite a delightful experience.
Quick Baking Time: These cookies bake in just 10-12 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long to enjoy your sweet treat!
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like nuts or marshmallows, making each batch uniquely yours!
Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 12 cookies, they’re great for sharing with family or friends—or keeping all to yourself!
Comforting Aroma: The smell of chocolate baking will fill your kitchen and warm your heart, making it a perfect cozy baking day!

Equipment List

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium and large mixing bowls to keep things organized while you mix your ingredients.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key! Have both dry and liquid measuring cups on hand for your flour, cocoa powder, and sugars.
Measuring Spoons: You’ll need these for measuring out smaller ingredients like baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
Whisk or Fork: A whisk or fork will help you mix your dry ingredients together nicely, ensuring everything is well combined.
Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon: Either a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon will work great for creaming the butter and sugars together.
Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least one or two baking sheets lined with parchment paper to bake your cookies evenly.
Cookie Scoop or Spoon: A cookie scoop makes portioning out the dough easier, but a regular spoon will work just fine if that’s what you have!
Wire Rack: This is perfect for cooling your cookies after baking, allowing air to circulate so they don’t get soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve baked a delicious batch of hot chocolate cookies, and now you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for later. No worries! Storing these cookies is super simple, and I’ve got you covered with the best methods.

First, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial because it prevents them from getting soggy. Once they’re cooled, you can store them in an airtight container. I usually layer parchment paper between the cookies to keep them from sticking together. If you’ve got leftover cookies, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-5 days.

If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out however many you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up again. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm cookie fresh from the microwave!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.