Hot Cocoa Cookies #christmas #cookies

Normally, if I was invited to a cookie exchange I will make some pretty decorated cookies ... but I know Bethany has covered.   I am looking for something new to try, and boy am I glad I did!  Hot Cocoa cookies is my new favorite cookie!  They're chewy, chocolaty cookie and funny too!  You can use a different topping for a different vacation, or to match the theme colors ... easy peasy!

Ingredients :

For the cookies :

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 25 (apx.) large marshmallows

For the icing :

• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Assorted sprinkles

Direction :

Make a cake :

1. In a medium saucepan (or in a microwave safe bowl, using the power of 50%), melt the butter and chocolate, stirring frequently. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
3. In bowl of electric mixer, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla on low speed until well mixed.
4. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix until just combined.
5. While mixing, Add flour mixture gradually and mix until just combined.
6. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then cover the dough and refrigerate about 1 hour. If making the dough a day ahead, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
7. Preheat the oven to 325 * f. line 2 baking sheets and with parchment paper or a silpat type of ship. Use a tablespoon (or tablespoon size cookie scoop) to scoop the dough, then roll the dough in your hands to make a ball. Arrange balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet, then You flatten a little.
8. Bake cake about 12 minutes.
9. While the cookies bake, split large marshmallows (transverse became). When cookies have been baked, remove from oven and press marshmallow one half (cut side) into the center of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake cookies again 2-3 minutes. Allow the cake pan to cool a few minutes, then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.
10. Prepare your cake icing by combining all ingredients in medium bowl and mixing it with a small brush. Place a wire cooling rack (with cookies on it) on a baking sheet (to catch any excess icing). Spoon a little icing to the top of each marshmallow, and using the back of a spoon to spread it a little. After icing just a few cookies, top with sprinkles before the icing dries up.
11. Allow the icing set up about 30 minutes before serving.