30-Minute Hot Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies rolled in hot chocolate powder and topped with gooey marshmallows and Hershey's Kisses create the ultimate winter treat. The combination of rich cocoa dough, melted marshmallow, and chocolate kiss delivers all the cozy flavors of hot chocolate in cookie form. Perfect for holiday parties, winter gatherings, or whenever you crave something indulgently chocolatey. The hot chocolate powder coating adds an extra layer of flavor while creating a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter, room temperature
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Salt
- ⅝ cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may need extra binding
- 24 Hershey's Kisses, unwrappeddark chocolate chips1:1less sweet
press into marshmallows while warm
- 24 large Marshmallows
- ⅓ cup Hot Chocolate Mix Powder, for rolling
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- 2
Cream room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar in standing mixer with paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes
- 3
Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla slowly, mixing on low and scraping bowl as needed
- 4
Whisk together salt, cocoa powder, flour, and baking soda in separate bowl
- 5
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and mix on low until just combined, scraping sides to remove butter lumps
- 6
Scoop and roll dough into 24 balls about 1 1/4 inches in diameter
- 7
Roll each ball in hot chocolate mix powder
- 8
Place balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly with palm
- 9
Bake for 3 minutes, then remove and press one marshmallow onto top of each cookie
- 10
Return to oven and bake 3-5 more minutes until marshmallows are puffed but not browning and cookie edges are set
- 11
Remove from oven and immediately press one Hershey's Kiss onto each marshmallow while hot
- 12
Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to cooling rack
Tips
Make sure marshmallows are very hot when pressing in the Hershey's Kisses so they stick properly and create an indentation
Don't overbake the cookies - they should still look slightly underdone when you remove them as they'll continue cooking on the hot pan
Roll dough balls in hot chocolate powder just before baking to prevent the coating from dissolving into the dough
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Cookie dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, bring to room temperature before rolling and baking
Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor
Common Mistakes
Don't skip flattening the dough balls or cookies will be too thick
Press Hershey's Kisses immediately while marshmallows are hot to avoid them sliding off
Don't overbake or cookies will become hard instead of chewy
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
may need extra binding
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Mini marshmallows can work but use 2-3 per cookie and they may melt more quickly, so watch baking time carefully.
What if I don't have hot chocolate mix powder?
You can substitute with a mixture of cocoa powder and powdered sugar in equal parts for a similar coating effect.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, though they're best eaten within 2-3 days.