Gluten Free Hot Cocoa Cookies

Why This Gluten-Free Hot Cocoa Cookie Recipe is the Best

1. The texture is incredible—soft and chewy in the center with just the right amount of crisp edges.
2. Each cookie is topped with a real marshmallow and melted chocolate, giving that perfect hot chocolate flavor in cookie form.
3. They’re completely gluten-free, and can easily be made lower in sugar if you use a powdered sugar-free sweetener and sugar free marshmallows.

Ingredients Breakdown

See recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredient measurements and units.

Powdered Sugar or Sugar-Free Sweetener

This helps give the cookies their soft, brownie-like texture. Powdered sweetener blends best here—granulated won’t dissolve as smoothly.

Dutch Cocoa Powder

Dutch cocoa provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor that gives these cookies that classic hot cocoa taste.

Blanched Almond Flour

Adds structure while keeping the cookies tender and naturally gluten-free.

Coconut Flour

A small amount helps absorb moisture and adds a bit of chew to balance the almond flour.

Baking Soda

Gives the cookies a slight lift without making them cakey.

Salt

Brings out all the chocolate flavor.

Egg

Binds everything together and adds richness.

Avocado Oil or Vegetable Oil

Keeps the cookies moist and gives them a slightly glossy finish.

Chocolate Chips

Add bursts of chocolate throughout the gluten free hot chocolate cookies—just like melted chocolate at the bottom of a cup of cocoa.

Marshmallows

These create the gooey topping that makes each bite irresistible. I used Stuffed Puffs mini milk chocolate marshmallows to create the chocolate-filled look inside the marshmallows. While Stuffed Puffs states on their website that they don’t contain gluten containing ingredients, they are made on shared equipment and are not certified gluten-free, so keep this in mind and make sure to use gluten-free certified marshmallows if you need strict gluten free.

Chocolate Chips + Butter or Coconut Oil (for topping)

The melted chocolate topping ties the whole “hot cocoa” flavor together. I usually add a small amount of butter or coconut oil as I find it helps my chocolate chips melt better.

How to Make Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar or sweetener, cocoa powder, almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add wet ingredients

Stir in the egg and oil until fully combined into a thick dough.

Step 4: Fold in chocolate chips

Mix until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Scoop and bake

Scoop cookies onto the prepared sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 6 minutes.

Step 6: Add marshmallows

Remove from oven and press a marshmallow into the center of each cookie. Return to oven for 1–2 more minutes, just to lightly heat the marshmallows.

Step 7: Melt the topping

In a small bowl, melt chocolate chips with a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil until smooth.

Step 8: Finish and enjoy

Spoon melted chocolate over the marshmallow on each cookie. Enjoy warm for the ultimate gooey hot cocoa experience, or let them set for a more classic cookie texture.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t overbake—these cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
2. Press the marshmallows in gently so the cookies don’t crack.
3. For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa rather than natural cocoa powder.

Flavor Variations

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies – Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough.
2. Mocha Cookies – Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
3. Double Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies – Mix extra chocolate chips into the dough and top with mini marshmallows instead.

FAQs

Try This Gluten-Free Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe!

These cookies taste just like a cozy mug of hot chocolate, but in chewy cookie form. Perfect for Christmas cookie swaps, snow days, or anytime you want a sweet, nostalgic treat. If you try them, be sure to leave a rating, comment, and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!

XO,

Sarah