Cozy Treat for Cold Days
Finnegan Flynn
| 02-02-2025
· Food Team
There's nothing quite like warming up with a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows.
While instant powdered mixes are convenient, making hot cocoa from scratch with cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and vanilla is just as easy and tastes even better.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
4 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Miniature marshmallows, for garnish
Steps to Make It
1. Gather the Ingredients
Before starting, gather all the ingredients needed to make the hot cocoa.
2. Heat Milk to Scalding
Dear Lykkers! In a medium saucepan, heat the milk until it’s almost scalded, just before it begins to bubble at the edges. Be careful not to bring it to a boil.
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3. Blend Cocoa and Sugar
While the milk is heating, combine the cocoa powder and sugar in a small bowl. This will ensure that the cocoa is evenly mixed when added to the milk.
4. Combine Milk and Cocoa Mixture
Mix about 1/3 cup of hot milk into the cocoa and sugar mixture. Then, pour the cocoa mixture into the hot milk in the saucepan. Add vanilla and whisk everything together until it's smooth and well-blended.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve the cocoa in mugs and top it with miniature marshmallows. For an extra touch, sift a dash of cocoa powder over the marshmallows if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Hot Cocoa
For a lighter version: Use reduced-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk to reduce calories and-fat.
For a richer flavor: Swap the cocoa powder for 2 ounces of grated and melted bittersweet chocolate. If using a sweeter chocolate, like milk chocolate, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Experiment with sweeteners: Try using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Milk temperature: Heat the milk to around 180°F, just before bubbles start forming on the sides of the saucepan. Avoid boiling the milk.
Storing leftovers: If there’s any leftover hot cocoa, let it cool to room temperature, then store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently in a saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil.
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow | Hot Chocolate Recipe | Homemade | Hot Cocoa | Hot Drinks
Video by HomeCookingShow
Recipe Variations
Non-Dairy Variation: Replace whole milk with coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Mexican Hot Cocoa: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 heaping tablespoon instant espresso or coffee, and a pinch of salt while heating the milk. Top with chili powder for a kick.
Minty Hot Cocoa: Stir in 1/4 cup crème de menthe or 2 tablespoons peppermint extract into the milk mixture for a refreshing mint flavor.
Cinnamon White Hot Chocolate: Swap cocoa powder for 2 ounces of melted white chocolate. Add 4 cinnamon sticks to the milk while heating; discard before mixing with the white chocolate for a creamy, spiced twist.
Chai Hot Chocolate: Grind together cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, nutmeg, fennel, and ginger to create a homemade chai spice mix. Add to the milk and cocoa for a warming, spiced flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Total-Calories- 219
Fat- 8g
Carbs- 28g
Protein- 8g
This Marshmallow Hot Cocoa is a perfect way to enjoy a cozy winter treat. Whether you stick to the classic or try a variation, it’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your sweet tooth!