Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

On a chilly winter’s eve, nothing quite warms the soul (and icy fingers) like a mug of homemade hot chocolate. And of all the many wonderful variations, this hot chocolate with marshmallows is a recipe we make on repeat. Melting the marshmallows into the cocoa gives the already comforting drink a fluffy, frothy texture that’s second to none. And as with all our favorite hot chocolate recipes, there’s no limit to how you can customize this hot chocolate drink with marshmallows!

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

• Sugar: To suit your tastes, feel free to tweak the sugar level, adding more or less to adjust the sweetness. You can also substitute another sweetener, like maple syrup or honey.
• Cocoa: Baking cocoa is perfect for any hot chocolate drink with marshmallows. It’s basically the powdered form of unsweetened chocolate, so it doesn’t require melting to incorporate into the milk. The best cocoa powder for this recipe is the unsweetened version, which allows you to control the sweetness of your hot cocoa.
• Milk: Use skim milk for a lighter hot chocolate, or reach for whole milk (or half-and-half cream) if you’re craving more richness. Nondairy milk alternatives are great substitutes for anyone avoiding lactose, but they may alter the hot chocolate’s flavor. That’s not necessarily a bad thing: Almond, hazelnut and coconut milk make wickedly delicious bases for hot chocolate with marshmallow.
• Mini marshmallows: These fluffy little guys melt quickly, making them the best marshmallows for melted marshmallow recipes. Regular-sized marshmallows work in a pinch, but they’ll take a little longer to melt.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of homemade vanilla extract sends this hot chocolate drink with marshmallows into orbit, adding fragrant floral aromas and accentuating the drink’s creamy consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the hot chocolate

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, baking cocoa, milk and miniature marshmallows. Cook and stir over medium heat until the marshmallows are melted, about eight minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Go slow when heating the hot chocolate so you don’t scald the milk.

Step 2: Add the vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs.

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Variations

• Use cereal marshmallows: Grab a box of marshmallow-studded breakfast cereal and melt the cereal marshmallows into the cocoa as a creative mix-in for your hot chocolate. It’ll be a home run with kids and adults alike.
• Make it seasonal: Add a splash of peppermint extract in the winter or a dusting of pumpkin pie spice in autumn. Or, get inspired by the decadent additions in your favorite holiday hot chocolate recipes.
• Try making Mexican hot cocoa: Add cinnamon and chili powder to transform this warm and cozy drink into a Mexican hot chocolate. Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
• Spike the hot chocolate: Whisky, bourbon, rum and brandy are the best spirits for spiked hot chocolate. Liqueurs, like amaretto, Frangelico, coffee, Baileys Irish cream or flavored schnapps, are also brilliant.

How to Store Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

Let homemade hot chocolate with marshmallow cool slightly. Then, pour the cocoa into an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

How long does hot chocolate with marshmallows last?

When stored in an airtight container, the homemade hot chocolate drink with marshmallows lasts about three days.

How do you reheat hot chocolate with marshmallows?

Pour the hot chocolate with marshmallow into a microwave-safe mug and zap it until warm. Alternatively, pour it into a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low until warm. Remember to stir!

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Tips

Can you use chocolate instead of cocoa for hot chocolate?

You can substitute your favorite chocolate bar for the cocoa powder in this hot chocolate drink with marshmallows recipe. Dark, milk, white and flavored chocolate (think mint, orange, caramel or chili) lend themselves to luxurious homemade hot chocolate. It’s worth splurging on a high-quality bar for the richest, thickest, most decadent texture. A single bar should do the trick, but let your taste buds lead the way. For serious chocolate lovers who don’t mess around, use both chocolate and cocoa.

What else can you serve with this hot chocolate drink with marshmallows?

Serve the hot chocolate drink with a selection of cookies, like shortbread, butter, chocolate chip or biscotti. Peppermint bark and gingerbread are also fabulous choices, especially come Christmas. If you want to think outside the cookie, look to the classic pairing of churros and hot chocolate, or to mouth-puckering citrus desserts like tangy lemon tart or Key lime pie.

For savory options, keep it light with a bowl of pretzels, spiced nuts, potato chips or spicy popcorn. Also wonderful alongside hot chocolate with marshmallow are holiday cheeseboards, especially when they’re made with bold cheeses like Stilton, cheddar, Gouda, Gruyere, Brie and Parmesan.