Gifting Day 6: Hot Cocoa Cookies
Pinterest is a good source for holiday baking recipes. This cookie was created by Glorious Treats and is easy to make and very tasty!
Hot chocolate is comforting on a cold winter's day. There are those who are lonely, or grieving a loss this Christmas, so share the gift of cookies and a good conversation with someone who needs a friend.
When making a batch to give to someone, consider packaging them with the following verse:
"You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side." Psalms 71:21
1 stick unsalted butter
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
1-1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1-1/4 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
large marshmallows (you'll need enough to cover each cookie you make with half of one)
Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Your choice of sprinkles or jimmies
In a medium saucepan melt the butter and chocolate, stirring constantly. Once melted, set aside to cool down.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients into a medium bowl (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt). In a separate bowl beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla together until you have a uniform consistency. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix until just combined. Slowly add the flour mixture and blend until just combined (and you have no visible dry flour/cocoa powder. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Refrigerate the dough for one hour (or until firm).
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out a tablespoon of dough, and roll into a ball. Place the balls on the baking sheets (give them space to grow), then press them down to approximately 1/2 inch thick. Bake for 12 minutes.
Once the cookies are in the oven, cut the large marshmallows in half (through the circumference) . When you remove the cookies from the oven, press one marshmallow half into the center of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven and bake another 2-3 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Make the cookie icing by whisking together all ingredients in a medium bowl. To apply the icing, place the cooling rack of cookies over a baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of icing onto the top of each marshmallow, and use the back of the spoon to spread it over the sides of the marshmallow. Then add sprinkles.
Let the icing set up, and then they are ready to package in air-tight containers, or portion out into treat bags.
(Photo by Angela Schade Henry)
