Name: Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)

These chewy hot cocoa cookies are like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of cocoa, but in cookie form. Soft, fudgy, and topped with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles, they bring the magic of wintertime straight to your dessert table. With every bite, you get that deep cocoa richness, a gooey melted center, and a pop of texture from colorful sprinkles.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just cozy nights at home, these cookies are crowd-pleasers that look as good as they taste. They strike the right balance between decadent and playful, making them a go-to recipe all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookie Recipe

Holiday Vibes in Every Bite: These cookies capture everything you love about hot cocoa—rich chocolate, gooey warmth, and a touch of sweetness.
Chewy and Soft Texture: Thanks to brown sugar and melted butter, you get an incredibly soft center with just enough structure to hold all that chocolate.
Easy to Customize: Want to add mini marshmallows? Peppermint chips? Go for it! These cookies are the perfect base.
Festive Presentation: The sprinkles make them instantly festive, without any elaborate decorating.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make your chewy hot cocoa cookies perfect every time, a few reliable tools are key:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. This keeps the process clean and organized.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugars properly, creating that fluffy base for chewy cookies.
Baking Sheets: Choose heavy-duty, non-stick sheets to ensure even baking without burnt bottoms.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cookie Scoop: For uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.
Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy bottoms.

Each tool plays a part in making these cookies chewy, perfectly shaped, and visually delightful.

Ingredients for the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers the deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s essential to mimicking a mug of hot cocoa.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies structure while still allowing a chewy texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the chewiness.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar and adds crisp edges.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and prevents them from being too dense.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and boost the chocolate flavor.
Butter (melted): Makes the cookies extra chewy and brings richness.
Eggs: Bind the dough and help create a fudgy center.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and brings warmth.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pools of chocolate make these cookies extra indulgent.
Holiday Sprinkles: Optional, but they give a festive flair and fun texture.

How To Make the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly fluffy. This creates the foundation for chewy cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop to place dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.

Step 7: Decorate

While the cookies are still warm, press a few extra chocolate chips or sprinkles into the tops. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve & Store These Cookies

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a mug of real hot cocoa. They’re great on their own, but even better with a marshmallow center or dunked in chocolate ganache.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive that gooey center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa?

Yes! Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor and works perfectly in this recipe.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Make sure not to overbake them. Pull them out when the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll finish setting as they cool.

Can I add marshmallows?

Definitely. You can press mini marshmallows into the tops before baking or add them halfway through baking for a melted center.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes before scooping.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet is classic, but feel free to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peppermint chips for a twist.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies for a rich, crackly-top treat.
Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for a fruity, creamy combo.
Winter Brittle if you’re into sweet crunch during the holidays.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake for chocolate lovers who want it cold and creamy.
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips for a healthier crunch alongside your cookies.

Save This Pin 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 add marshmallows or sprinkle crushed peppermint? Maybe swapped the chips for chunks?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Share your twist, and don’t hesitate to ask questions—let’s make cookie season even better.

More cozy dessert ideas shared daily on my Pinterest Kitchen By Kate.