After testing multiple Christmas cookies, these hot cocoa cookies were a family favorite. Out of all the batches I made, these cookies went the fastest!
Preheat oven to 350 F and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips. Chop them into small pieces. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, hot cocoa mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
With a mixer in a large bowl, cream together both sugars and softened butter until creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well combined.
Gradually mix in the flour mixture.
With a wooden spoon, stir in remaining chocolate chips.
Use a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon to portion out dough balls, 2 inches apart, on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8 minutes. While cookies are baking, cut marshmallows in half.
Remove cookies from oven, and working quickly, gently press halved marshmallow, cut side down, in center of each hot cookie. Bake another 1-2 mins, just to soften, but not brown the marshmallows.
Chocolate Shavings
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the top of the marshmallow with the reserved chopped chocolate.
Hershey's Kisses
If using Kisses, gently press chocolate Kiss into the center of each marshmallow. Allow cookies to cool completely on cookie sheet before removing to wire rack.
Notes
Making Ahead - For the freshest alternative, make the cookie dough ahead of time and form it into balls. Freeze the balls for a few hours on a wax paper lined cookie sheet, make sure they are not touching. Put all the frozen dough balls into a freezer bag. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls at room temperature and bake and garnish according to the recipe.Freezing - Freeze the cookies for a few hours on a wax paper lined cookie sheet, make sure they are not touching. Put all the frozen cookies into a freezer bag. To reheat, allow cookies to thaw at room temperature, then bake at 350 F for a few minutes to warm them up.Storing - Store cooled hot cocoa cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.