The past year has proven that if given enough time indoors, people will come up with amazing DIY projects to entertain themselves—and the public. We found out how to make hot cocoa bombs at home, and then TikTok users upped the ante by creating a massive hot cocoa bomb. Now, the next cocoa trends involves making a blooming marshmallow.
OK, What’s a Blooming Marshmallow?
In simplest terms, these marshmallows look like closed flowers, and once you add them to a cup of hot cocoa, the petals start expanding. It’s a visual trick that tastes as good as it looks!
Some versions are simpler while others are more elaborately decorated, but the general premise remains the same. You can check out the recipe from our friends at Totally the Bomb.
You start by making the marshmallows from scratch with corn syrup, water, unflavored gelatin and sugar. Then, you spread the mixture into a baking sheet dusted with corn starch and powdered sugar and wait until it sets up.
The secret that makes marshmallow flowers bloom is a base of melted chocolate. You spread the chocolate thinly in silicone molds, then use a flower-shaped cookie cutter to form the shapes and decorate them how you like. The marshmallow flowers are placed into the chocolate cups.
The final step is adding the fruits of your labor to a hot beverage and watching them bloom!
How to Make a Blooming Marshmallow That’s Perfect for You
You can decorate the marshmallow flowers in so many ways. I like the idea of using food coloring to paint and decorate the marshmallow petals. Many of the versions online use candy pearls in the center, but we think colored sugar would also work nicely. To change the marshmallow’s flavor, add flavorings like vanilla or peppermint or make a vegan version using agar powder instead of gelatin.
Our Most Decadent Recipes for Hot Cocoa
Homemade Hot Cocoa
This homemade hot chocolate recipe will make people think you fussed, but it is so simple. —Cheryl Reitz, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Oh also, calling all chocoholics! From cakes and brownies to pies and cookies, these top-rated
chocolate recipes are sure to satisfy.
Go to Recipe
Hot ChocolateIt is time to skip the mix! Learn how to make the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted. This decadent recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate PodsWho doesn't love a steamy mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day? Now you can give friends, neighbors, co-workers or anyone who deserves a treat the pleasure of this indulgent drink with these giftable hot chocolate pods. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutella Hot ChocolateVanilla beans and a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico lend a sophisticated flavor to this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert. —Michael Compean, Fountain Hills, Arizona
Crackling Hot CocoaThis hot chocolate recipe is more than a warm-you-up—it's rich and thick decadence in a mug. —Cyndi Nistico, Palm Island, Florida
Spiked Hot ChocolateMy husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Cozy Hot ChocolateSteaming mugs of these smooth beverages are a nice anytime treat with my husband, Ken.—Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Dairy-Free Hot ChocolateThis wholesome vegan hot chocolate drink will leave you feeling warm and cozy on a cold, snowy day. Wrap yourself in a blanket, grab your favorite book and settle on the couch – this drink can be made in a matter of minutes.
Hot Chocolate with MarshmallowsThis hot chocolate with marshmallows recipe isn't your average cup of hot cocoa. Melted marshmallows make this the fluffiest, frothiest, coziest cocoa you'll ever sip.
Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Pumpkin Spice Hot ChocolatePumpkin spiced hot chocolate is a warming cinnamon and orange-infused dairy concoction with real pumpkin puree and white chocolate chips. A cloud of spiced whipped cream on top finishes it off.
Kahlua Hot ChocolateElevate your cozy drink game with this spiked hot chocolate recipe featuring a touch of Kahlua. This rich and creamy beverage is easy to customize with your favorite spirits and toppings, perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Favorite Hot ChocolateYou need just a few basic ingredients to stir up this spirit-warming sipper. The comforting beverage is smooth and not too sweet, making it just right for a cozy chilly night. —Flo Snodderly, North Vernon, Indiana
Gingerbread Hot CocoaAre you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, this special cocoa will do the trick. It’s like drinking a chocolate gingerbread cookie! —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ
Landmark Hot ChocolateWith or without a nip of rum, my hot chocolate recipe has been a Wisconsin winter warmer for years. When the toboggan hills are calling, I skip the whipped cream and take a thermos to go. It’s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! —Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Vanilla Almond Hot CocoaTreat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
Mexican Hot ChocolateCold winter days beg for a sweet, warming and creamy beverage, but this Mexican hot chocolate recipe does even better. You’ll love the spicy aromas and touch of dark chocolate bitterness in every frothy cup.Â
Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa MixI gave this away at our neighborhood Christmas party in cutie-patootie gift bags and was thrilled that I was able to give something to everyone. But the next week I started getting calls from the neighbors who had tried it, and I was blown away at the response. Everyone loves this! The white chocolate makes it extra creamy. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Next, try out this tasty 3-ingredient
whipped hot chocolate.