Toasted marshmallow hot cocoa is a perfect winter indulgence!
It starts with high-quality chocolate, cream, milk, sugar and vanilla, whisked together in a saucepan until smooth.
The magic happens when you top your mug with mini marshmallows and toast them with a kitchen torch until golden brown.
Drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra decadent touch.
Pre-warming your mugs keeps everything perfectly melty and delicious.
Some tasty variations can upgrade your cozy night in!
Ingredients
Indulging in decadent French hot chocolate can elevate your hot cocoa experience to a whole new level.
Recommended Tools
Creating the perfect Toasted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa requires a few key kitchen tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable. From melting chocolate to achieving that perfectly toasted marshmallow top, these essentials will help you craft this indulgent treat with ease and precision.
- Saucepan:
A medium-sized saucepan lets you heat and blend the chocolate, milk, cream and other ingredients evenly without scorching.
- Whisk:
Essential for blending all ingredients together smoothly and preventing lumps in your hot chocolate mixture.
- Kitchen Torch:
The star tool that transforms regular hot chocolate into toasted marshmallow hot cocoa by perfectly browning the marshmallow topping.
- Heat-resistant Mugs:
Mugs that can handle being pre-warmed with boiling water and hold hot chocolate without cracking or becoming too hot to handle.
- Measuring Cups:
Helps you precisely measure the milk, cream and marshmallows for the perfect hot chocolate consistency and flavor.
- Measuring Spoons:
Perfect for adding the exact amounts of vanilla extract, sugar and chocolate syrup to balance the flavors in your hot cocoa.
Additionally, having essential kitchen tools ensures that every step of your cooking process is efficient and enjoyable.</p
Instructions for Toasted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa
Ready to make the ultimate cozy drink? This toasted marshmallow hot cocoa is a game-changer for chilly evenings! Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat.
First, grab 8 oz of high-quality chocolate and break it into small pieces. The better your chocolate, the more amazing your hot cocoa will be!
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your chocolate pieces with 1/2 cup cream, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the chocolate completely melts and the mixture becomes smooth and blended. Keep stirring to prevent any burning at the bottom!
Here’s a pro tip: warm your mugs before adding the hot chocolate! Just fill them with some boiling water for about 30 seconds, then pour it out. This keeps your cocoa hotter longer – total game-changer!
Pour your velvety hot chocolate mixture into the warmed mugs. Now for the fun part – top each mug with a generous pile of mini marshmallows (you’ll need about 1 1/2 cups total).
Time to get fancy! Grab a kitchen torch and gently toast those marshmallows until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy on top. Don’t have a torch? No worries! Pop your mugs under the broiler for just a few seconds – but watch them like a hawk so they don’t burst into flames!
Finish your masterpiece with a drizzle of 1 tbsp chocolate syrup over the toasted marshmallows. The contrast between the warm, toasty marshmallows and the rich chocolate is absolutely divine!
For an added touch of warmth and flavor, consider pairing your hot cocoa with a bowl of hearty creamy pumpkin soup, as this combination makes for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Serve immediately and prepare for some serious compliments. Trust me, once you try hot chocolate this way, you’ll never go back to the plain version again!
Pro Tips
Pre-warm your mugs with boiling water before pouring in your hot chocolate to keep it at the perfect temperature longer, then simply discard the water before filling with your decadent drink.
This simple step prevents the disappointment of lukewarm cocoa and ensures your toasted marshmallow topping stays perfectly melty. Adding a hint of creamy roasted cauliflower soup can elevate your cocoa experience by providing a unique flavor contrast.</p
Substitutions & Variations
While the classic toasted marshmallow hot cocoa recipe is divine, simple tweaks can transform this comforting drink into something completely new with minimal effort.
- Dark Chocolate Mocha: Substitute dark chocolate for regular chocolate and add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the mixture for a rich caffeinated twist.
- Peppermint Bliss: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the base recipe and garnish with crushed candy canes instead of chocolate syrup.
- Spiced Cocoa: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warming Mexican-inspired variation.
- Coconut Dream: Replace whole milk with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the marshmallows.
- Salted Caramel Delight: Drizzle caramel sauce instead of chocolate syrup and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the toasted marshmallows.
- Bailey’s Adult Version: Add 1 ounce of Bailey’s Irish Cream to each mug for a grown-up nightcap version.
- Experimenting with dessert-inspired flavors can elevate your hot cocoa experience even further, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
After exploring all those delicious variations, you might wonder what to do with any leftover hot chocolate.
I’ll tell you straight—it’s best enjoyed fresh! If you must save some, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to two days.
Just reheat gently on the stove (never microwave!), and add fresh marshmallows before serving. The texture won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still hit the spot!
Tonight’s Fireside Treat
Toasted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa
A luxurious hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows for the ultimate cozy treat.
- 8 oz high-quality chocolate
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 tbsp chocolate syrup
Break chocolate into pieces.
In a saucepan, heat chocolate, cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla over medium heat, whisking until melted and blended.
Warm mugs with boiling water, then discard water.
Pour hot chocolate into mugs.
Top with marshmallows.
Toast marshmallows with a kitchen torch or under broiler until browned.
Drizzle chocolate syrup on top.
