Family Favorite Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies: A Warm Hug in Every Bite
There’s something undeniably comforting about a mug of hot cocoa on a chilly day. The rich, chocolatey aroma, the creamy texture, and the sweet warmth spreading through you – it’s pure bliss. Now, imagine capturing that feeling in a cookie. That’s exactly what these Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies do! They’re a family favorite for a reason: they’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and bring a touch of cozy magic to any occasion.
This recipe takes the classic hot cocoa flavors – rich chocolate, a hint of marshmallow, and a touch of vanilla – and transforms them into soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for dipping in milk, sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat. Get ready to warm up your kitchen and your hearts with these irresistible Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies!
## Why These Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies are a Must-Try
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why these cookies are so special:
* **Hot Cocoa Flavor in Cookie Form:** These cookies genuinely taste like a mug of hot cocoa. The Hershey’s cocoa powder provides that deep chocolatey base, while the marshmallow bits add a touch of sweetness and a delightful chewy texture.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and easy treat.
* **Soft and Chewy Texture:** These cookies are not crispy or crunchy. They’re soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, thanks to the butter and brown sugar in the recipe.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize these cookies to your liking. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor and texture.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These cookies are perfect for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love these cookies! They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 1/4 cups (281 grams)
* **Hershey’s Cocoa Powder:** 3/4 cup (60 grams) – This is the key ingredient for that authentic hot cocoa flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams), softened – Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. This will help the cookies have a tender texture.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup (200 grams)
* **Packed Light Brown Sugar:** 1 cup (220 grams) – Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
* **Large Eggs:** 2
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors in the cookies.
* **Hot Water:** 1/2 cup (120 ml) – Hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder and intensify the chocolate flavor.
* **Mini Marshmallows:** 1 cup (about 56 grams) – These add a touch of sweetness and a delightful chewy texture.
* **Optional:** Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls – one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier. However, you can also mix everything by hand if you’re feeling ambitious.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements, use dry and liquid measuring cups and spoons.
* **Cookie Sheets:** You’ll need at least two cookie sheets. Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** These will make it easy to remove the cookies from the baking sheets and prevent them from sticking.
* **Cookie Scoop (Optional):** A cookie scoop will help you create evenly sized cookies, ensuring that they bake evenly.
* **Wire Cooling Rack:** A wire cooling rack is essential for cooling the cookies quickly and evenly.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get baking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making these delicious Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies:
**Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
* Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for the cookies to rise properly and have a balanced flavor.
**Step 3: Bloom the Cocoa Powder**
* In a separate small bowl, pour the hot water over the Hershey’s cocoa powder. Stir until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved and forms a smooth paste.
* This step is crucial for enhancing the chocolate flavor of the cookies. The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, releasing its rich aroma and intensifying its taste.
* Set the cocoa mixture aside to cool slightly while you prepare the wet ingredients.
**Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars**
* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar using an electric mixer (or by hand) until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
* Creaming the butter and sugar together incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light and tender cookie texture. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this will affect the texture of the cookies.
**Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract**
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
* Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
**Step 6: Incorporate the Cocoa Mixture**
* Pour the cooled cocoa mixture into the butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined. The mixture will be quite dark and chocolatey.
**Step 7: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
* Mix until the flour is just incorporated. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
**Step 8: Fold in the Mini Marshmallows**
* Gently fold in the mini marshmallows until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
* Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage, as this can cause the marshmallows to break down and melt.
**Step 9: Scoop and Bake the Cookies**
* Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
* If you want to add extra marshmallows on top, you can gently press a few into the top of each cookie before baking. This will create a beautiful and festive look.
* Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
* The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
**Step 10: Cool the Cookies**
* Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
* This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and allow them to cool evenly.
## Tips for Perfect Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies
Here are a few tips to ensure that your Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies turn out perfectly every time:
* **Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder:** Since cocoa powder is the star ingredient in these cookies, it’s important to use a high-quality brand like Hershey’s. This will ensure that the cookies have a rich, chocolatey flavor.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This will result in thicker, chewier cookies.
* **Bake at the Right Temperature:** Baking the cookies at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the right texture. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cookies.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaking the cookies can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake them until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Let the Cookies Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool completely on a wire cooling rack before storing them. This will prevent them from sticking together and becoming soggy.
## Variations and Additions
Want to add your own twist to these Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies? Here are a few ideas:
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate) to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the dough for added texture and flavor.
* **Peanut Butter Swirl:** Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the top of each cookie before baking for a delicious peanut butter chocolate combination.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty treat.
* **Candy Canes:** Crush candy canes and sprinkle them on top of the cookies after baking for a festive holiday treat.
* **Different Marshmallows:** Use flavored marshmallows (like chocolate or strawberry) for a fun twist.
## Storing Your Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies
To keep your Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
These Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with:
* **A Mug of Hot Cocoa:** Of course! Enjoy these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience.
* **A Glass of Milk:** These cookies are perfect for dipping in milk.
* **Ice Cream:** Crumble the cookies over ice cream for a delicious dessert topping.
* **Coffee or Tea:** These cookies make a great afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
* Serving Size: 1 cookie
* Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
* Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
* Sodium: 50-70 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Sugar: 12-15 grams
* Protein: 1-2 grams
## Conclusion
These Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies are a family favorite for a reason. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and bring a touch of cozy magic to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a weeknight treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Cookies! Enjoy!