Cozy hot chocolate is a ski lover’s sippable staple. Between wintry runs along Minnesota’s Lutsen Mountains, a comforting cup — one you can hug close to defrost those numb thumbs and fingers — does wonders from nose to toes. Now, what if you condensed that sweet deliciousness into a tiny cookie, marshmallows included? We’ve got you covered, friends!
Pour yourself a mug of your favorite Minnesota cold-weather bevvie, and let’s begin with a little background on these bite-sized beauties that are so decadent, even Jack Frost may take a breather of nipping at our fingers long enough to come inside and sit for a while.
Today’s Hot Cocoa Cookies earned a top spot in the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s annual cookie contest, a true holiday tradition in these parts. While I couldn’t confirm, I’m guessing there are more cookie recipes that hail from Minnesota than any other state — given we have an abundance of gifted hometown baking heroes from Betty Crocker and the Doughboy to all-star foodie bloggers and pro home bakers like Macy Hennen of Pierz, Minnesota. Macy is credited with creating these chocolaty goodies in 2013 and has earned her spot in this mouth-watering page turner….
Macy’s recipe is included this fantastic cookbook compilation featuring dozens of tested recipes that made the cut with the STrib’s top-notch editors. The Great Minnesota Cookie Book was published in 2018 and a special gift from my kind-hearted sister-in-law this past holiday season.
We baked our first batch over the New Year holiday and bundled most of these as door-to-door deliveries for our neighbors. They were a hands-down hit given their triple-chocolate punch! Several neighbors even asked for the recipe — that’s when you know your cookie jar has hit the jackpot.
So, today we’re sharing a few photos and steps for this winning treat, which is also online here.
Begin by mixing the dry ingredients: flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder & salt:
Melt slowly in a microwave or double boiler the 16 oz. chocolate (we used Nestle semi-sweet chocolate chips) and 1/2 cup butter:
Next mix together just the eggs, brown sugar and vanilla.
Use a mixer to combine the chocolaty butter mixture with the brown sugar batter. Last, add the dry ingredients and continue to mix till combined. Then…chill. Waiting can be tough. But, we just popped the dough in the fridge and took a quick walk with Carson. The dough is similar to a dense brownie batter, so letting it cool helps make the next step much easier!
When the dough is firm to the touch, and while your canine companion rests, roll the dough into small balls, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake per directions, at 325º F for 10-12 minutes.
When the cookies begin to reveal small cracks, take them out of the oven and top each cookie with a few chocolate chips and a mini marshmallow or two. Slide them back into the oven for a few more minutes, until the marshmallows are melted and gooey.
Place chocolaty cookies on cooling racks. Finish by topping with chocolate shavings. Plate for friends.
Or, treat your sweetie to a few alongside a cup of warm cocoa.
We hope you may give this yummy recipe a try! If you do, please let me know what you think.
This story first appeared on From Lutsen with Love in January 2020. All reflections and images are my own.
Superior adventures await year round in Lutsen, MN! 