Hot Cocoa Cookies

Welcome to Ms. Nicolette's Pantry! So happy to have you here and in the kitchen with your kiddo adding something new to your lifestyle.

I have hand-picked recipes and activities that are easy for you to create at home with the help of your children. Based on their age you can decide which tasks they can help you with, and which ones they should let an adult do. Make this a learning experience for you both - let your child explore the baking/cooking process and explain each item, ingredient, and step to them, and watch how your child interacts!

December brings CHRISTMAS!!! It is my favorite time of year, and the recipe choices are endless. I have chosen a fun one for kids: hot cocoa cookies. Kids (and adults!) will love the taste of these chocolate-y cookies with a fun marshmallow bit inclusion. Check it out below!

Tools Needed:

Cookie sheets

Stand or hand mixer

Spatula

Measuring cups & spoons

Plastic wrap

Cookie scoop/Tablespoon

Mixing bowls

Cooling rack

Parchment paper

Ingredients Needed:

2 sticks butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

4 packages hot cocoa mix

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup Mallow Bits

Instructions:

1. Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with stand mixer until light and fluffy. Tip: do not skimp on this time - you can honestly sit and watch with your child to see the color change! Give it a good 3-5 minutes.

2. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Tip: let your kids crack the eggs! They love this step. Just be sure to crack eggs into a different bowl in case of any egg shells.

3. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl with the spatula.

4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.

5. Gradually beat dry ingredients into butter mixture until blended.

6. Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits.

7. Cover bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

8. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Tip: if you feel comfortable, teach your child how to preheat the oven - but also explain to them that ovens and stovetops get very hot and to only do this with the help of an adult!

9. Line the cookie sheets with parchment paper, or, if you have them, silicone baking mats.

10. Use cookie scoop to scoop onto trays, or use a Tablespoon to drop onto cookie sheets.

11. Bake 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are set.

12. Allow to cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes.

13. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Tip: kids can carefully help with this step. The pan will have generously cooled down by this point, so with the help of an adult, kids can use a spatula to remove from the pans.

14. Enjoy!

NOTES:

• This cookie dough may appear somewhat dry, but don't worry! Do NOT add any additional liquid, it is meant to be this way!

• Use a simple hot cocoa mix for this recipe. Personally, I used Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate packs. Whatever kind you choose, DO NOT USE SUGAR FREE HOT COCOA!

• Purchase actual Mallow Bits, NOT mini marshmallows. Mini marshmallows get too sticky and will create nothing but a mess. If you cannot find Mallow Bits sold separately, instead opt for the hot cocoa mixes that have marshmallows in the mix (they are the same style as Mallow Bits)

• Make sure children are washing hands before and after, especially after handling certain things like raw eggs.

• Have FUN and ENJOY!