Recipe: Hot chocolate cookies

MILWAUKEE - FOX6 Weather Expert Stephanie Barichello shares how to make hot chocolate cookies for the holidays.

Hot chocolate cookie dough

• 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup dry hot cocoa mix
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons milk

Hot chocolate cookie topping

• 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
• 8 ounce semi-sweet chocolate bar, finely chopped (not chocolate chips)

Hot chocolate cookie recipe

1. In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until fluffy and light in color, about 2–3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix and baking soda together until combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Beat on low until combined. Lastly, add milk. The dough will be thick and sticky.
4. Cover dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Do not skip this step!
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. Scoop and roll dough, about 1 tablespoon each, into balls. Arrange 2–3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes.
7. Remove the cookies from the oven and lightly press a marshmallow half into the top of each cookie. Return them to the oven and bake for 2 more minutes. Remove from the oven and, using the back of a spoon, gently press down on the marshmallow to slightly flatten it out.
8. Cool cookies for 10 minutes.
9. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave, place the chopped chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Microwave for 20-second increments, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth.
10. Spoon melted chocolate over each cooled marshmallow-topped cookie. Chocolate sets at room temperature in 30-60 minutes.

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