Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies

Welcome to day 6 of "12 Days of Vegan Christmas Cookies!" These Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies might just be my favorites yet. Fudgy, chocolate cookies loaded up with chocolate chips and toasty mini marshmallows. Let's learn how to make them!

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Ingredients in Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• Vegan Butter (1 cup): Vegan butter provides the necessary fat content for the cookies, contributing to their rich and moist texture. It also adds a buttery flavor without using dairy products.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Brown sugar adds moisture to the cookies and contributes a caramel-like flavor. It also helps in achieving a soft and chewy texture.
• Sugar (¾ cup): Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their texture. It helps create a crisper edge while balancing the sweetness with the brown sugar.
• Nondairy Milk (2 tablespoons): Nondairy milk adds liquid to the dough, helping to bind the ingredients together. It also contributes to the overall moisture content and richness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of the cookies, providing a warm and sweet aroma. It complements the chocolate and adds depth to the overall taste.

Dry Ingredients

• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy. It reacts with the acid in cocoa powder to give the cookies a tender texture.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing sweetness and intensifying the chocolate taste. It also helps in highlighting other ingredients.
• Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Cocoa powder is the primary source of chocolate flavor in the cookies. It gives them a rich, deep chocolate taste and a dark color.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): Flour provides structure to the cookies. The gluten in the flour forms a network that helps the cookies maintain their shape and structure while baking.
• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): Chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate flavor and pockets of gooey, melted chocolate throughout the cookies. They also contribute to the overall texture.
• Mini Vegan Marshmallows (⅔ cup): Mini vegan marshmallows add a delightful chewy and gooey texture to the cookies. They contribute to the hot chocolate theme, reminiscent of marshmallows in a cup of hot cocoa.

Steps for Making Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies (with pictures!)

1. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl cream together the vegan butter and the sugars using an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about a minute. Add the nondairy milk, vanilla, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder to the bowl. Beat again until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add in the all purpose flour and beat until just combined. Do not over-mix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
2. Chill the Dough: Scoop 2 tablespoon balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet, lining them up close together. Continue until all of the cookie dough has been used up. Press 2-3 mini marshmallows into the top of each ball of cookie dough. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. Dough can keep this way for up to 48 hours.
3. Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the prepared cookie dough from the refrigerator and fill the prepared baking sheet with cookie dough balls spaced 2 inches apart. You will likely get around 3 batches out of this recipe so be sure to keep unused cookie dough in the fridge between batches. Bake cookies on center rack of preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality vegan butter, nondairy milk, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips to ensure a rich and satisfying flavor.
2. Check the Consistency of the Dough: The cookie dough should be well-mixed but not overworked. Over-mixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a tender and chewy texture.
3. Chill the Dough: Chill the cookie dough as directed in the recipe. Do not skip this step! Chilling helps solidify the fat in the dough, resulting in cookies with a better texture and flavor.
4. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
5. Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cookies in. This helps them bake evenly and maintain the desired texture.
6. Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens can vary, start checking the cookies a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. The goal is to achieve a slightly soft center with a crisp edge.
7. Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows Strategically: When forming the cookie dough balls, press a few extra chocolate chips into the top of each ball before baking. This ensures a visually appealing and flavorful result. Do the same with the marshmallows. Marshmallows should not be stirred into the dough!
8. Cool on Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and firm up.
9. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors, such as adding a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice. These can complement the chocolate and add complexity to the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the cookies gluten-free?

To make the cookies gluten-free, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. Ensure that other ingredients, such as baking soda and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free. Please keep in mind that this will change the texture of the cookies.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegan butter in the recipe. However, keep in mind that coconut oil has a distinct flavor, so the cookies may have a subtle coconut taste.

Can I make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight?

Yes, making the cookie dough in advance and refrigerating it overnight is a great idea. Chilled dough often results in cookies with a better texture and more developed flavors.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for a longer period before baking. Keep cookie dough in the fridge between batches. Additionally, ensure that your baking sheets are cool before placing the cookie dough on them.

FAQ's Continued

Are there any alternatives to using chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can chop up your favorite vegan chocolate bar into small chunks and use them instead of chocolate chips. This adds a homemade touch and allows you to customize the chocolate intensity.

Can I make the vegan hot chocolate cookies nut-free?

Yes, the recipe is already nut-free. However, if you have specific allergies, always check the ingredients, especially in products like nondairy milk and chocolate chips, to ensure they are safe for your dietary needs.

How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too dry?

To prevent dryness, ensure you are accurately measuring your ingredients and avoid overbaking. Additionally, you can try increasing the amount of nondairy milk slightly for added moisture in the dough.

How do I make sure the vegan hot chocolate cookies have a gooey center but are fully baked?

Achieving a gooey center requires slightly underbaking the cookies. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet. Remember that the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

How to Serve Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies

There are several ways to enhance the enjoyment of these delicious treats. Here are some ideas on how to serve vegan hot chocolate cookies:

1. Warm with Vegan Hot Chocolate: Serve the cookies alongside a mug of vegan hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy and comforting experience. The combination of warm cookies and a steaming cup of hot cocoa is perfect for a chilly day.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create vegan ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in vegan sprinkles or crushed nuts for added flair.
3. Cookie and Milk: Serve the cookies with a cold glass of your preferred nondairy milk. Whether it's almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, the pairing complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies.
4. Gifts or Party Favors: Package the cookies in decorative bags or boxes to give as gifts or party favors. This is a sweet and thoughtful gesture for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions.
5. Coffee or Tea Pairing: Serve the cookies with a side of your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or tea. The combination of the sweet cookies with the warmth of the drink makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
6. Dip in Chocolate: Melt vegan chocolate and dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Allow them to cool and set for a chocolate-covered variation that adds an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Store Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookies

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your vegan hot chocolate cookies. Here's how to store them for optimal results:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to store them. This ensures that they set properly and retain their texture.
2. Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled cookies to an airtight container. A container with a tight seal helps prevent moisture from getting in and keeps the cookies fresh.
3. Layering with Parchment Paper: If stacking the cookies in the container, place sheets of parchment paper between the layers. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking together and maintains their appearance.
4. Room Temperature: Store the airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage, 2-3 days. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
5. Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with layers separated by parchment paper. Cookies can generally be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
6. Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. If desired, you can reheat them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.
7. Avoid Moisture: Moisture can affect the texture of cookies, so it's essential to keep them away from humid environments. Use moisture-absorbing packets in the storage container if needed.
8. Flavor Preservation: If you want to enhance or maintain the flavor, consider adding a small piece of bread to the container. The bread helps absorb excess moisture and also prevents the cookies from becoming stale.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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