Get ready to make the best hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream, perfect for cozy days. This rich, creamy treat is easy to make with cocoa powder and chocolate, delivering ultimate comfort in every sip!
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Looking for the best way to embrace a cold winter day? ❄️ Try a cozy evening with a Christmas movie, a snug blanket, and a heartwarming hot drink! 🥰 It's the perfect time, as I have the ultimate homemade hot chocolate recipe just for you.
Hot chocolate is made by combining real chocolate with bitter cocoa powder and mixing it with milk, resulting in a creamy and intensely chocolatey texture.
This creamy homemade hot chocolate is a delightful treat, best enjoyed with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a handful of marshmallows for an incredibly indulgent experience.
Why you'll love this recipe
Craving for more Hot chocolate recipes? Give these a try: Hot chocolate mug cake, Oreo hot Chocolate, Hot chocolate cookies, Hot chocolate bombs, hot chocolate cookies, Hot chocolate cheesecake.
Ingredients You Need
You’ll need these ingredients to make this creamy hot cocoa with whipped cream:
- Milk: Use whole milk or 2% for a creamier hot chocolate. For extra richness, mix in some heavy cream.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder, not the sweetened kind with added sugar.
- Sugar: Add granulated sugar or your favorite sweetener. You can also try brown sugar for extra flavor or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips or bars work great for classic hot chocolate. For a stronger taste, go with bittersweet chocolate, or switch it up with milk or white chocolate.
- Vanilla Extract: Boost the flavor with vanilla extract, or use vanilla bean seeds for a more natural touch.
How To Make Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and Marshmallows
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember, the full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the main recipe card below!
Step 1: Place unsweetened cocoa powder with powdered sugar and vanilla (optional) in a saucepan. And pour the milk on top and heat over medium heat until it boil.
Step 2: Add the chocolate pieces and stir until they are completely melted. Then continue to heat on low heat for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally with a spoon.
Step 3: Pour the chocolate milk into your mug.
Homemade Whipped Cream
- Place heavy cream and confectioner's sugar in a medium bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 3-4 minutes at medium speed until you have a thick whipped cream.
- Pour the whipped cream over the hot chocolate, sprinkle with cocoa powder, add mini marshmallows and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Top with Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows or one large marshmallow for a sweet, melty finish.
- Whipped Cream: Pile on some whipped cream for a creamy, indulgent touch.
- Sprinkle Cocoa or Cinnamon: Dust the top with cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even a mix of both for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate curls or shavings for a rich garnish.
- Drizzle Caramel or Chocolate Syrup: Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup for a sweet, gooey twist.
- Candy Cane Stirrer: Use a candy cane or peppermint stick as a fun and festive stirrer.
- Crushed Peppermint: Sprinkle some crushed peppermint for a holiday vibe.
- Dunk Cookies: Serve with a side of cookies, like shortbread or biscotti, for dipping.
- Add a Cinnamon Stick: Pop in a cinnamon stick for a hint of spice and stirring.
- Top with a Dust of Nutmeg: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
Tips for this recipe
Storage and Reheat
Refrigerate: Let any leftover hot chocolate cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the hot chocolate on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Do Not Freeze: Hot chocolate doesn't freeze well, as it can separate and lose its creamy texture. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
Variations & Substitutions
Recipe Questions
What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa mix?
Hot chocolate is typically made with melted chocolate or cocoa powder and milk or cream, resulting in a richer and creamier beverage. Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water and tends to be lighter in flavor and texture.
How can I make dairy-free hot chocolate?
You can make dairy-free hot chocolate by using non-dairy milk alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Be sure to choose unsweetened versions for more control over sweetness.
How can I make hot chocolate less sweet?
To make hot chocolate less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or sweetener in the recipe. You can also choose unsweetened cocoa powder and adjust the sweetness to your taste.
How to make a thick hot chocolate?
You can thicken hot chocolate by using a mix of heavy cream and milk. Simply combine the two dairy products and gradually add the mixture to your hot chocolate while stirring until it reaches the desired thickness.
More Chocolate Drinks
I hope you love this easy Hot cocoa recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!
Print
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 Cups
Description
Rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows and whipped cream. Easy to make and perfect for cozy days! (⅔ cups)
Ingredients
Hot chocolate
- 500 ml (2 cups) Milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp Cocoa powder - unsweetened
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar - or maple syrup, honey
- 100 g (½ cup - 4 oz) Chocolate - semi-sweet or bittersweet
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Whipped cream
- 200 ml (¾ cup) Heavy cream - full fat and cold
- 1 tbsp Confectioner's sugar - sifted
- Marshmallow bites
Instructions
Hot Chocolate
- In a medium saucepan, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to combine all ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Once the milk is hot and starting to boil, add the chocolate pieces. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate into your mugs.
Whipped Cream
- In a medium bowl, pour the cold heavy cream and sifted confectioner's sugar.
- Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the cream thickens and forms soft peaks.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the hot chocolate.
- Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder and marshmallows for a finishing touch.
Enjoy your rich and creamy hot chocolate!
Notes
Storage: Store leftover hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 2-3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips:
- For thicker hot chocolate, use 200 ml semi-skimmed milk and 200 ml full-fat heavy cream.
- For a less intense chocolate flavor, reduce the chocolate to 65-70 g.
- For a less sweet version, skip the sugar and use 64% or 70% dark chocolate.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements instead of cups, ensuring better consistency in your recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: drink, beverage,
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 393
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 77
- Fat: 31
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 81
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