Why You’ll Love Soft Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

A perfect holiday twist on a classic cookie.
Rich red velvet flavor paired with real hot chocolate taste.
Stuffed with melty chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Beautifully festive color and texture.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
No need for special equipment or complicated steps.
Great for gifting or cookie exchanges.
Can be made ahead and frozen.
Delicious warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

You’ll typically need:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Instant chocolate pudding mix
Hot cocoa mix (with or without mini marshmallows)
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, pudding mix, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
Scoop cookie dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
For thicker cookies, chill the dough balls for 30–60 minutes before baking.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 30–60 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and contrast.
Double Chocolate: Add dark chocolate chunks for intense cocoa flavor.
Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Stuffed Cookies: Wrap dough around a piece of chocolate or marshmallow for a gooey center.
Spiced Option: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften and slightly melt the chocolate.

FAQs

What makes these cookies taste like hot chocolate?

The combination of hot cocoa mix, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows gives these cookies that unmistakable hot chocolate flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but recommended for thicker, chewier cookies with less spreading.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes, but it may slightly affect the flavor and color. Natural cocoa powder works well for that classic red velvet taste.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Milk, dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate all work beautifully.

How do I keep the marshmallows from melting too much?

Fold mini marshmallows into the dough gently and bake until just set. You can also press a few into the tops of the dough balls just before baking.

Can I make these without red food coloring?

Yes, the cookies will taste the same but will have a more natural chocolate color rather than red velvet.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They are soft, thick, and slightly chewy with gooey bits from the chocolate and marshmallows.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute, but be sure to check that your pudding and cocoa mix are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them to enjoy later.

Conclusion

Soft Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate winter treat — rich, festive, and brimming with chocolatey comfort. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies offer the perfect blend of flavor and fun in every bite.