No Bake Hot Cocoa Cookies always remind me of snowy afternoons when my mom would warm milk on the stove and hand me a mug topped with mini marshmallows. When I was growing up, that chocolatey steam filling the kitchen felt like a hug. Back in our kitchen, we didn’t wait for special occasions, we made sweet treats right on the stovetop. My mom always said if you can stir and wait patiently for something to set, you can make magic. This recipe brings that same cozy hot cocoa feeling into a chewy cookie.
No-Bake Hot Cocoa Cookies – Cozy & Ready in 20 Minutes
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper
- baking sheets
- Measuring tools
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows plus extra for topping
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper and measure oats into a large bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Bring mixture to a full rolling boil at 212°F and boil exactly 60 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat immediately. Stir in chocolate chips until melted.
- Add vanilla and 1 cup mini marshmallows, stirring gently so some marshmallow pieces remain visible.
- Fold in oats until fully coated.
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment using a cookie scoop.
- Press a few extra mini marshmallows on top while warm.
- Let set at room temperature 15 minutes until firm and matte on the surface.
Notes
Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
Humidity Tip: In humid climates, boil full 60 seconds and allow to set in refrigerator 10 minutes.
Troubleshooting:
- Too soft? Boil time too short.
- Dry or crumbly? Boiled too long.
- Marshmallows melting completely? Let mixture cool 1–2 minutes before stirring them in.
Nutrition
CONCLUSION
This takes me right back to holding a warm mug in both hands while snow tapped against the windows. Between you and me, these No Bake Hot Cocoa Cookies taste even better than the drink. They’re rich, chewy, and dotted with soft marshmallow pockets that make every bite feel cozy. My mom always said winter desserts should feel comforting without a lot of fuss, and this one proves it. Trust me on this, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to snowy day treat. Simple stovetop stirring, a quick set, and pure chocolate comfort.