Hot Chocolate Day and Hot Chocolate Chips Cookies

Today January 31st is National Hot Chocolate Day. 

Do you know the difference between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?? 

The difference is that Hot Chocolate uses milk or milk chocolate while Hot Cocoa uses only powdered cocoa. 

The first hot chocolate was Mayan and it was served with chili peppers. I bet that drink was a bit spicy. 

In Spain hot chocolate is made with churros and is considered a working man's breakfast 

Hot chocolate itself is good for the body as it offers antioxidants. The sugar in the drink is the problem. 

Chocolate is the 3rd most traded commodity in the world, 1 st is oil and the 2nd is coffee. 

• 1 and 1/4 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 4 packages (or 3/4 cups) hot cocoa mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Mallow Bits (you could substitute mini marshmallows, though results will be slightly different)

Heat oven to 350°F. Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with standing mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.

Combine next 4 ingredients. Gradually beat into butter mixture until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.

Drop 2 tablespoons dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes; remove to wire racks and cool.