• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Recipe Filter
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home Recipes By Meal Dessert

Healthy Hot Cocoa Cookies

gf df
By: Erin Antoniak • Updated On June 18, 2026
Jump to Recipe

Healthy Hot Cocoa Cookies are like a cup of cozy hot chocolate in the form of little treats! They’re comforting and are gluten-free, flourless, and made with simple ingredients.

hot cocoa cookies

The most delicious healthy hot cocoa cookies

When the air is crisp, the holiday decorations are out, the Christmas music is playing, and there’s snow on the ground, who can resist a nice, cozy cup of hot chocolate? I know I can’t! There’s something about it that just puts me in the best mood.

This year, as I sipped on my first cup of hot chocolate of the season, I got an idea: hot chocolate cookies! These are a popular holiday treat that I see around each season, but I’ve never tried making them myself. I decided to give it a go, and the results were not disappointing!

As always, I swapped some traditional ingredients for some healthier options, and officially created healthy hot cocoa cookies. They’re gluten-free, flourless, and use simple ingredients.

Enjoy these treats alongside a hot beverage like coffee, and ohhh my gosh. The taste is unbeatable! They were a total hit in my house. I’m sure your family and friends will love them too! In my opinion, this is one of the best healthy cookie recipes I’ve created.

Chocolate cookies are my favorite, so I wanted to share my Easy Nutella Cookies too.

cookie leaning on mug

Ingredients required to make these treats

The ingredients in this recipe are simple and easy. We won’t be using any hard to find items; most of these are probably already in your house! For me, the only items I had to go get for this recipe were the marshmallows and the cocoa powder! Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • Egg
  • Coconut sugar
  • Almond butter
  • Vanilla
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Chocolate chips
  • Mini marshmallows

Required kitchen tools

Since this recipe is so quick and easy, you’ll only need 4 kitchen tools. Before you begin preparing the cookies, gather a baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowl, and mixing spatula or spoon!

stack of hot cocoa cookies

How to make healthy hot cocoa cookies

This healthy dessert recipe is very, very easy to make! All in all, it should only require about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Start by preheating your oven to 350F. Then, line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix together the egg, coconut sugar, almond butter, and vanilla. Then, stir in the cocoa powder and baking soda. It gets thick at this step.

Next, add the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. They may not stick in the batter, but just form them so extra marshmallows and chocolate chips are on the top of the cookies. Make them look “loaded.”

Next, roll the dough into balls, place onto the baking sheet, and flatten ever so slightly. They won’t (and shouldn’t) spread too much.

Bake for 12-14 minutes, and let cool completely before removing from the pan.

How to make vegan cocoa cookies

Many people love to veganize my recipes, because it’s always so simple! For this recipe, there are only two non-vegan items.

The first is chocolate chips, though these are an easy swap. Simply use a dark chocolate, milk free version!

The second non-vegan item in this recipe is the egg. This can be substituted by choosing from a few different options:

  • Applesauce: Try ¼ cup applesauce! You won’t taste it, and the consistency works well to achieve the same binding effect as eggs.
  • Ground chia or flaxseeds: Either option will work, though these may create a slight nut flavor. Purchase a ground version, or ground them yourself. Then, mix 1 tbsp of either seed with 3 tbsp water. Mix until they have fully absorbed the water, and then use in place of the egg. Here is a helpful infographic!
  • Egg replacer: There are a bunch of vegan egg replacers to choose from, and the packaging should contain specific instructions for that brand.
hot cocoa cookies

How I created this healthy cookie recipe

Traditional hot cocoa cookies use ingredients like butter, flour, and regular sugar! I prefer using ingredients that have higher nutrition contents, so that’s what I did for this recipe.

  • Sugar: For this recipe, I used coconut sugar in place of granulated. Both are sugars, but coconut sugar is slightly lower in calories and carbs. It also tastes great!
  • Flour: I typically stay away from all-purpose flour when baking healthier treats, but I prefer to omit any type of flour when possible. With this recipe, I was able to cut it out completely!
  • Butter: Instead of using regular butter, my recipe uses almond butter. It adds a fantastic taste and is perfect for giving the dough the required consistency. Plus, it adds protein! If you’d like, you can use peanut butter instead.

Try these chocolate treats too!

If you liked this tasty cocoa recipe, you’ll also love these delicious, chocolatey treats! Choose from brownies, fudge, muffins, and more.

  • Peppermint Cocoa Tahini Freezer Fudge
  • Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes (gluten free)
  • Double Chocolate Mint Paleo Cookies
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
  • Pecan Pie Brownies
healthy hot cocoa cookies
stack of hot cocoa cookies
Erin Antoniak

Healthy Hot Cocoa Cookies

4.84 from 24 votes
Healthy Hot Cocoa Cookies are like a cup of cozy hot chocolate in the form of little treats! They’re comforting and are gluten-free, flourless, and made with simple ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert, gluten-free, holiday
Cuisine: American
Calories: 227
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 cup runny almond butter cold. (whole foods brand is great)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Method
 

  1. Mix together egg, coconut sugar, almond butter, and vanilla.
  2. Stir in cocoa powder and baking soda (gets thick here)
  3.  Add in chocolate chips and mini marshmallows – they may not stick in the batter but just form them so extra marshmallows and chocolate chips are on top of the cookies, making them look ‘loaded’.
  4. **If your nut butter was warm, chill dough for 30 minutes so they do not spread.
  5.  Roll into balls and flatten slightly.
  6. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.
  7. Let cool completely before removing from pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 126mgPotassium: 219mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 83mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

You May Also Like...

  • tray of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies
    Healthy White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
  • stack of white chocolate cranberry cookies
    Healthy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
  • stack of samoas
    Healthy Samoa Cookies
  • stack of funfetti cookies
    Healthy Funfetti Cookies
Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

4.84 from 24 votes

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe Rating




  1. Chelsea says

    Posted on 2/1 at 12:57 pm

    I make these every year and they are my favorite cookie! Nobody ever knows that they are flourless or “healthy,” they are just decadent and delicious.

    Reply
    • Chelsea says

      Posted on 2/1 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      Forgot to include a rating in my previous comment, but definitely 5 stars!

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 2/3 at 4:43 pm

        Thank you!! 🙂

    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/3 at 4:42 pm

      Hi Chelsea, so happy you all loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jess says

    Posted on 12/2 at 9:07 am

    5 stars
    Not to be dramatic but these are seriously the best cookies I’ve ever made. I use natural peanut butter since I never remember to buy almond butter, and it still turns out AMAZING

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/2 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Jess, so happy you loved them so much and made them your own!

      Reply
  3. Pam says

    Posted on 12/24 at 9:38 am

    5 stars
    Yum!!!! These are easy, delicious and a crowd pleaser! My new favorite cookie. Make them, you’ll be glad you did.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/27 at 3:59 pm

      Hi Pam, so happy you loved them!

      Reply
  4. Kellen says

    Posted on 12/21 at 4:01 pm

    5 stars
    I love these cookies! Simple and so delicious!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/22 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Kellen, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  5. Kristen says

    Posted on 12/20 at 7:15 pm

    5 stars
    These cookies were a hit for my entire family! I plan to make again for Christmas Eve. Don’t let the thick batter intimidate you-they bake perfectly and with the suggestion of adding marshmallow and chocolate chips on top before baking…they look and taste picture perfect! Great recipe, Erin!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/22 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Kristen, so happy you all enjoyed them!! 🙂

      Reply
  6. lauren says

    Posted on 12/20 at 12:43 pm

    5 stars
    These were fantastic! Definitely a thick batter, but were absolutely delicious. I just made them last week, and now I’m making them again for Christmas!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/22 at 2:38 pm

      Hi Lauren, so happy you loved them so much! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Olivia says

    Posted on 12/19 at 5:34 pm

    4 stars
    Made these cookies for a cookie swap. They were very tasty but definitely a learning curve. I attempted adding the chocolate chips and marshmallows to the batter and it was quite difficult to work with. Next time I would add just the chocolate chips and then add marshmallows on top after the cookies have been formed.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/19 at 7:47 pm

      Hi Olivia, so happy you loved them!

      Reply
  8. Erica says

    Posted on 12/16 at 7:01 pm

    This was such an easy recipe. If you’re thinking about making these cookies… DO IT!! They are so good.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/19 at 7:39 pm

      Hi Erica, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

erin in front of a building

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

grocery lists

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

Trending Recipes

avocado corn salad

Summer Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

good housekeeping logo
parade logo
feed feed logo
business insider logo
everyday health logo
country living logo
bar desserts
truffles
bar desserts
bar desserts
muffins
vanilla birthday cake with chocolate icing

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2026 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
healthy hot cocoa cookies

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.