Hot Chocolate Desserts: 16 Cozy Bakes That Taste Like a Mug of Cocoa

Hot chocolate desserts are having a big moment as the weather turns cold. One short video of hot chocolate cookies with a marshmallow center pulled in more than 279,000 views in just nine days, and holiday bakers cannot get enough. The idea is simple: take everything you love about a mug of cocoa, from the rich chocolate to the melty marshmallows on top, and bake it into a treat you can share. Below you will find cookies, brownies, fudge, poke cake, cheesecake bars, a slow cooker lava cake and more, each with a full recipe. Most use a packet or two of hot cocoa mix from your pantry. Grab a mug and pick your favorite..

Hot Chocolate Desserts Start With These Marshmallow Cookies

Everything you love about a mug of hot cocoa, the marshmallows included, baked into cookies, brownies and cakes. Start with the cookie that went viral. A soft, fudgy chocolate cookie hides a marshmallow inside, and it melts into a gooey center as it bakes. People have loved chocolate drinks for thousands of years, as Smithsonian Magazine explains, and now the cookie gets its turn. Break one open while it is warm..

You will need: 1/2 cup butter (softened), 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup chocolate chips, 12 large marshmallows cut in half.

How to make it: 1. Beat the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla. 2. Mix in the flour, cocoa, cocoa mix, baking soda and salt, then the chips. 3. Chill the dough 30 minutes. 4. Heat the oven to 350 F. 5. Wrap 2 tbsp of dough around each marshmallow half and seal it well. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes and cool 5 minutes on the pan.

Hot Chocolate Desserts Classic: Marshmallow Swirl Brownies

Of all hot chocolate desserts, fudgy brownies are already the closest to a cup of cocoa. Add a scoop of hot cocoa mix to the batter and swirl marshmallow creme on top before baking, and they taste like the last sip at the bottom of the mug. Toss on a handful of mini marshmallows for the last few minutes so they puff and toast. Corner piece or middle piece?

You will need: 1/2 cup butter (melted), 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup marshmallow creme, 1 cup mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and line an 8×8 pan. 2. Whisk the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. 3. Stir in the flour, cocoa, cocoa mix and salt, then the chips. 4. Spread in the pan and dollop the marshmallow creme on top, then swirl with a knife. 5. Bake 25 minutes, add the mini marshmallows and bake 3 to 5 minutes more. 6. Cool before cutting.

Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

Poke cakes are a church potluck favorite and one of the easiest hot chocolate desserts, and this one tastes like a mug of cocoa in cake form. Poke holes in a warm chocolate cake and pour over warm milk mixed with hot cocoa mix and sweetened condensed milk. It soaks in and keeps every bite moist. Finish with whipped topping, mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus the eggs, oil and water it calls for), 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/3 cup hot cocoa mix, 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, 1 cup mini marshmallows, chocolate sauce.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan as the box says. 2. While it is warm, poke holes all over with the handle of a wooden spoon. 3. Whisk the condensed milk, warm milk and cocoa mix and pour it over the cake. 4. Chill 2 hours. 5. Spread with whipped topping and add marshmallows and chocolate sauce.

Hot Cocoa Fudge

This is the easy kind of fudge with no candy thermometer, and one of the best hot chocolate desserts to give away. Melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk, stir in a little hot cocoa mix for that creamy cocoa flavor, then press mini marshmallows on top. It sets in the fridge in about two hours and makes a great homemade gift in a little tin. Would you share it or keep it?

You will need: 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp hot cocoa mix, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 pinch salt, 1 cup mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Line an 8×8 pan with foil or parchment. 2. Melt the chips, condensed milk and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth. 3. Stir in the cocoa mix, vanilla and salt. 4. Spread in the pan and press the marshmallows on top. 5. Chill 2 hours until firm, then cut into small squares.

Hot Chocolate Desserts for a Crowd: Cheesecake Bars

These bars have a chocolate cookie crust, a creamy cocoa cheesecake layer and a cloud of whipped cream on top, just like a mug topped high. Like most hot chocolate desserts here, bars are easy: no water bath, no springform pan and they slice neatly for a crowd. A light dusting of cocoa powder over the cream finishes the look.

You will need: Crust: 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed), 4 tbsp melted butter. Filling: 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 4 oz melted semisweet chocolate, 1 tsp vanilla. Topping: whipped cream, cocoa powder.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 325 F and line a 9×9 pan. 2. Press the crust in and bake 8 minutes. 3. Beat the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa mix, then add the sour cream, chocolate and vanilla. 4. Beat in the eggs on low. 5. Pour over the crust and bake 35 to 40 minutes. 6. Chill 4 hours, then top with cream and cocoa.

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes With Marshmallow Frosting

A chocolate cupcake with a fluffy marshmallow frosting looks just like a mug with whipped topping. The frosting is made by beating marshmallow creme into butter, so it is soft, sweet and glossy. Add a few mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa on top. Kids love helping with this part, and cupcakes are the hot chocolate desserts they ask for most. What is your favorite topping? A) Marshmallows B) Sprinkles C) Chocolate shavings.

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus what it calls for), 2 tbsp hot cocoa mix. Frosting: 1/2 cup butter (softened), 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla. Mini marshmallows and cocoa powder for topping.

How to make it: 1. Make the batter, stirring in the cocoa mix. 2. Fill 24 lined muffin cups two thirds full and bake as the box says. 3. Cool completely. 4. Beat the butter, then the marshmallow creme, powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. 5. Pipe on top and add marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa.

Hot Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats

Classic crispy rice treats get a cocoa makeover, and they are the fastest hot chocolate desserts on this list. Stir a few spoonfuls of hot cocoa mix into the melted marshmallows, then dip the bars in melted chocolate and add sprinkles. They take 15 minutes, need no oven and are perfect for a school party or a cookie swap. Pop them on sticks and they look like little cocoa pops.

You will need: 4 tbsp butter, 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows, 3 tbsp hot cocoa mix, 6 cups crispy rice cereal, 1 cup chocolate chips (melted), sprinkles, craft sticks (optional).

How to make it: 1. Butter a 9×13 pan. 2. Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat. 3. Stir in the cocoa mix until smooth. 4. Fold in the cereal and press into the pan. 5. Cool, cut into bars, dip the tops in melted chocolate and add sprinkles.

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake for One

Sometimes you want cocoa and cake at the same time, and only one serving. This mug cake is ready in about a minute in the microwave. Stir it right in the mug, drop a few marshmallows on top before it cooks, and eat it warm with a spoon. It is one of the best hot chocolate desserts for a cold night on the couch. Would you eat it with ice cream or as is?

You will need: 4 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp hot cocoa mix, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1 pinch salt, 3 tbsp milk, 2 tbsp oil, 1/4 tsp vanilla, 1 tbsp chocolate chips, a few mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Mix the dry ingredients in a large microwave-safe mug. 2. Stir in the milk, oil and vanilla until smooth. 3. Add the chocolate chips. 4. Microwave 60 to 90 seconds until puffed. 5. Top with marshmallows and microwave 10 seconds more. Let it cool for a minute before eating.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups

Bake chocolate cookie dough in a mini muffin tin and press a little well in the middle while they are warm. Fill each one with chocolate ganache and a mini marshmallow, and they look like tiny mugs of cocoa. They are one-bite treats for the holiday cookie tray. Our hot cocoa bar ideas pair perfectly with these.

You will need: 1 roll (16 oz) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough or homemade dough, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp hot cocoa mix, 24 mini marshmallows, cocoa powder for dusting.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease a 24 cup mini muffin tin. 2. Press 1 tbsp dough into each cup. 3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes and press a well in each with a small spoon. 4. Cool 10 minutes, then remove. 5. Heat the cream, stir in chips and cocoa mix until smooth. 6. Fill each cup and top with a marshmallow.

Hot Chocolate Tiramisu

Tiramisu already has cocoa on top, so it was always going to join the hot chocolate desserts club. Instead of soaking the ladyfingers in coffee, dip them in warm hot chocolate. It is great for kids and anyone who skips coffee at night. The mascarpone cream stays the same, and a thick dusting of cocoa finishes it. Coffee or hot chocolate tiramisu: which team are you?

You will need: 2 cups hot chocolate (warm, not hot), 8 oz mascarpone, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, about 24 ladyfingers, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings.

How to make it: 1. Whip the cream, powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. 2. Fold in the mascarpone until smooth. 3. Dip half the ladyfingers quickly in hot chocolate and lay them in an 8×8 dish. 4. Spread half the cream. 5. Repeat the layers. 6. Dust with cocoa and chill at least 4 hours.

Hot Chocolate Desserts in the Slow Cooker: Lava Cake

This is the crockpot dessert that keeps going viral every winter, and maybe the coziest of all hot chocolate desserts. A chocolate cake batter goes in first, then instant chocolate pudding whisked with cold milk is poured on top. As it cooks, the cake rises and a thick chocolate sauce forms underneath. Scoop it warm into bowls with vanilla ice cream. It frees up your oven, too.

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix, 1 1/4 cups milk, 1/3 cup oil, 3 eggs, 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix, 2 cups cold milk, 1 cup chocolate chips, vanilla ice cream for serving.

How to make it: 1. Grease a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. 2. Mix the cake mix, 1 1/4 cups milk, oil and eggs and pour into the cooker. 3. Whisk the pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk and pour over the batter (do not stir). 4. Scatter the chips on top. 5. Cook on low 3 hours until the edges are set. 6. Rest 20 minutes, then scoop and serve with ice cream.

Hot Cocoa Puppy Chow

Puppy chow, also called muddy buddies, is the snack every Midwest mom made for holiday parties. This version shakes the chocolate coated cereal in hot cocoa mix and powdered sugar, then tosses in mini marshmallows. It is crunchy, sweet and the most snackable of these hot chocolate desserts. Pack it in jars or bags for a quick gift.

You will need: 9 cups rice or corn square cereal, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup peanut butter (or more butter for nut free), 1/4 cup butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix, 2 cups mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Put the cereal in a big bowl. 2. Melt the chips, peanut butter and butter in the microwave in 30 second bursts, then stir in the vanilla. 3. Pour over the cereal and stir gently to coat. 4. Put the powdered sugar and cocoa mix in a large bag, add the cereal and shake. 5. Spread out to cool, then mix in the marshmallows.

Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is grandma’s way of using up stale bread, and this one tastes like dunking toast in a mug of cocoa. The custard is made with milk, cream, hot cocoa mix and eggs, and chocolate chips melt into pockets as it bakes. Serve it warm with a spoon of whipped cream. Of all the hot chocolate desserts here, this one makes your house smell the best.

You will need: 6 cups day-old bread cubes (brioche or French bread), 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix, 1/3 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and butter a 9×13 dish. 2. Spread the bread in the dish. 3. Warm the milk and cream, then whisk in the cocoa mix and sugar. 4. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla and salt. 5. Pour over the bread, add the chips and let it soak 15 minutes. 6. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until set.

Hot Chocolate Pie With Whipped Cream

A smooth chocolate pudding pie piled high with whipped cream is basically a mug of cocoa you can slice. This one uses a stovetop chocolate custard in a baked crust, so it sets firm and silky. Top it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or scatter mini marshmallows over the cream.

You will need: 1 baked 9 inch pie crust, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tbsp hot cocoa mix, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 cups whole milk, 4 egg yolks, 4 oz chopped semisweet chocolate, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla, whipped cream.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, cocoa mix and salt in a pot. 2. Whisk in the milk and yolks. 3. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick and bubbling, about 8 minutes. 4. Stir in the chocolate, butter and vanilla. 5. Pour into the crust, cover the surface with plastic and chill 4 hours. 6. Top with whipped cream.

Hot Chocolate Desserts for the Cookie Swap: Crinkle Cookies

Crinkle cookies are the ones that look like snow on a dark night. Adding hot cocoa mix to the dough makes them taste like a mug of cocoa, and rolling them in powdered sugar gives that classic cracked top. Chill the dough first so they keep their shape. They are a cookie exchange favorite and the prettiest hot chocolate desserts on a tray.

You will need: 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup oil, 2 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the cocoa, cocoa mix, sugar and oil. 2. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. 3. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt. 4. Chill the dough 2 hours. 5. Heat the oven to 350 F. 6. Roll tablespoon balls in powdered sugar and bake 10 to 12 minutes.

Hot Chocolate Desserts to Gift: Peppermint Cocoa Bark

Peppermint and hot cocoa are a classic winter pair, and this bark puts them together. A layer of dark chocolate, a layer of white chocolate and a shower of crushed candy canes and mini marshmallows. Break it into pieces and package it in cellophane bags. It is one of the easiest homemade gifts there is. Have you tried peppermint in your cocoa?

You will need: 10 oz dark or semisweet chocolate, 10 oz white chocolate, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1 tbsp hot cocoa mix.

How to make it: 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. 2. Melt the dark chocolate and spread it thin. Chill 10 minutes. 3. Melt the white chocolate, stir in the peppermint extract and spread over the dark layer. 4. Scatter the candy canes and marshmallows on top, then dust with cocoa mix. 5. Chill until firm and break into pieces.