Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

Hot chocolate with marshmallows — creamy, cozy, and melts-in-your-mouth good. Ready in minutes, perfect for cold days.

This hot chocolate with marshmallows is thick, creamy, and made with real chocolate — nothing powdered.

Just a rich homemade hot cocoa that tastes like pure comfort in a mug.

Top it with fluffy marshmallows or a swirl of whipped cream and you’ve got the coziest drink for winter nights, movie days, or anytime you need something warm and sweet.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Rich & Creamy – Made with real chocolate for a deep, velvety hot cocoa flavor.
• Marshmallow Melt – Those soft marshmallows turn every sip into cozy goodness.
• Fast & Cozy – Ready in minutes for the perfect warm winter drink.

Ingredients you need

• Milk – Whole milk (or 2%) for a creamy base.
• Cocoa powder – Unsweetened for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Sugar – Granulated, brown sugar, or even a touch of maple syrup.
• Chocolate – Semi-sweet chips or bar; bittersweet for stronger cocoa, milk/white for sweeter.
• Vanilla – A splash of vanilla extract to round out the flavor.

Tip for this recipe

• Whole milk = creamier hot chocolate.
• Use good chocolate (semi-sweet or bittersweet) for deeper flavor.
• Heat gently to avoid burning the milk.
• Whisk often for a smooth, silky texture.
• Add flavor with vanilla, cinnamon, or a pinch of cayenne.
• Froth the milk for a cozy, café-style finish.

How to make hot chocolate with marshmallows

Place the cocoa, sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan.

Pour the milk over the mixture and warm it on medium heat until it starts to gently simmer.

Add the chocolate and stir until fully melted. Keep it on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Pour the hot chocolate into your mug.

Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar for 3–4 minutes until thick and fluffy.

Spoon the whipped cream over the hot chocolate, dust with cocoa, add mini marshmallows… and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

• Whipped cream mountain – A big swirl on top + cocoa powder for a café-style finish.
• Extra marshmallows – Mini or torched for a s’mores vibe.
• Chocolate topping – Add shaved chocolate or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
• Spice twist – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
• Cozy add-ins – Serve with cookies, biscotti, or a slice of banana bread.

Recipe Variations

• Oreo hot chocolate– Add crushed Oreos inside the drink + Oreo crumbs over the whipped cream.
• Biscoff latte – Stir in a spoon of melted Biscoff spread and top with Biscoff crumbs.
• White hot chocolate – Swap the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a creamy, sweet version.
• Extra rich – Replace part of the milk with heavy cream for a thicker hot chocolate.
• Peppermint version – Add a splash of peppermint extract + crushed candy canes on top.

Recipe Questions

Can I make it sweeter?

Yes — just add more sugar or use milk chocolate instead of dark.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Absolutely. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work, but the drink will be a bit lighter.

How do I make it thicker?

Use more chocolate or replace a little milk with heavy cream.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Reheat gently on low heat and whisk to smooth it out.

Can kids drink it?

Of course — just skip strong dark chocolate or spices like cayenne.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes

• Hot chocolate mug cake
• Hot chocolate cookies
• Hot chocolate bombs
• hot chocolate cookies
• Hot chocolate cheesecake

I hope you’ll love this recipe! Rate it ★★★★★ and leave a quick comment — it always helps. Happy baking!

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