Spiced Hot Chocolate Marshmallows (Printable Version)
A creamy, spiced hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, perfect for warming up cozy evenings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy & Liquids
01 - 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
02 - 1/3 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
→ Chocolate
03 - 3.5 ounces dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
→ Sweetener
05 - 2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
→ Spices
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Topping
10 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm until steaming without boiling.
02 - Add chopped dark chocolate and cocoa powder to the warmed milk mixture. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
03 - Stir in granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper if using, and vanilla extract. Whisk until evenly blended and the beverage is velvety.
04 - Taste and modify sweetness or spice levels as preferred.
05 - Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top generously with mini marshmallows.
06 - Serve immediately, allowing marshmallows to soften slightly into the beverage.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The spices wake up every taste bud without overwhelming the chocolate—it's sophisticated but still feels like a hug in a mug.
- Ready in 15 minutes, no fancy equipment needed, and it tastes like you've been stirring a cauldron for hours.
- That marshmallow moment, when they start melting and create little pockets of sweetness, is genuinely worth the whole experience.
02 -
- Don't walk away once you add the chocolate—it needs that constant whisking or it'll separate and look grainy, which means restarting the whole process.
- Cayenne is brave; start with a much smaller pinch than you think, because it builds as you sip.
03 -
- Make the chocolate mixture ahead and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave; it keeps for days and tastes even better the next time around.
- Use a whisk, not a spoon—it aerates slightly and creates that velvety texture that makes people think you're a better cook than you are.