Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, bringing the warmth and richness of traditional Mexican hot chocolate into a chewy and delicious treat. These cookies are soft, slightly spiced, and infused with rich cocoa and a hint of cinnamon, making them the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a delightful afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
There are countless reasons to adore Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Secondly, these cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, offering a delightful texture that melts in your mouth. The blend of spices, including cinnamon and cayenne, adds a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from typical chocolate cookies. Additionally, they can easily be adapted into vegan Mexican hot chocolate cookies or gluten-free Mexican hot chocolate cookies to suit dietary preferences. Plus, with their rich, chocolaty goodness, they are an excellent choice for any dessert table or holiday gathering. Lastly, they evoke a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of traditional Mexican cookies enjoyed during festive occasions.

Ingredients for Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
How to Make Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Step 6: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls, and slightly flatten.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the dough balls.
- Step 9: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
- Step 10: Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Best Ways to Serve Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed in various delightful ways:
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Crush and sprinkle over your favorite warm pudding for an added crunch.
How to Store and Reheat Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. For optimal enjoyment, reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. You can also freeze the cookie dough for later use, making it easy to whip up a batch of easy Mexican hot chocolate cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies?
The secret lies in the combination of spices and chilling the dough before baking. This ensures your cookies are soft and chewy with a delightful flavor.
Can I make Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just bake when you’re ready!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies?
Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and cocoa powder. Over-measuring can lead to dry cookies. Also, watch the baking time closely to prevent overbaking.
Variations of Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies You Can Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations:
- For a nutty flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- Make them vegan Mexican hot chocolate cookies by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal and using plant-based butter.
- Try adding chocolate chips for an extra gooey texture.
- Substitute some of the flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Apple Pie Baked Oats or S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe. If you’re interested in more variations, you might enjoy our Witchy Sweet Potato Mash or Pumpkin Sage Soup Dinner. For tips on baking, visit King Arthur Baking’s cookie guide.
Print
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies: 10 Flavorful Delights
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious soft and chewy cookies inspired by the flavors of Mexican hot chocolate with rich cocoa, cinnamon, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls, and slightly flatten.
- Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the dough balls.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
