If you’re anything like me and crave something warm, chocolatey, and utterly comforting on a chilly day, you’re going to adore this Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—so velvety smooth, rich, and with that perfect sweet marshmallow topping that makes every sip feel like a hug in a mug. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail this cozy treat, whether you’re winding down after a long day or just want to impress your family with a homemade classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Creamy: Thanks to a blend of whole milk and sweetened condensed milk, the hot chocolate is luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen, making this an easy go-to recipe anytime.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough for about four cups, so it’s great for cozy nights with family or friends.
- Marshmallow Magic: The way those gooey marshmallows melt on top takes it from good to unforgettable every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s awesome about this Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward but work beautifully together to create that signature deep chocolate flavor with unmatched creaminess. Keep an eye out for good-quality cocoa powder and fresh marshmallows to make a noticeable difference.
- Whole milk or 2% milk: Milk’s fat content is key for creaminess; whole milk gives a richer mouthfeel, but 2% is a fine choice if you want to cut calories slightly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the magic ingredient that brings both sweetness and silky texture—don’t swap it out for regular milk!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose a good-quality cocoa for deep chocolate flavor; natural cocoa works best here for that rich taste.
- Marshmallows (large): They’re the crowning glory; I like big, fluffy marshmallows that melt just right on top without disappearing too quickly.
Variations
I love how versatile this Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe is—feel free to make it your own! Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks that work beautifully and might inspire your next cup.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity—perfect for chilly evenings when you want a little extra cozy zing.
- Mint Chocolate: I’ve stirred in a drop of peppermint extract before heating; it reminds me of holiday vibes and is a huge crowd-pleaser.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk for coconut or almond milk and use a sweetened condensed milk substitute (like coconut condensed milk) for a vegan-friendly twist.
- Extra Chocolaty: Toss in some chocolate chips while heating for an even richer, indulgent experience that’s pure velvet in a cup.
How to Make Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cocoa Powder
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder in a small bowl. I always whisk these together thoroughly before adding them to the milk—this helps avoid lumps and ensures that every sip has that deep chocolate goodness.
Step 2: Warm the Milk Gently
Pour your milk into a large saucepan and warm it over medium heat. You’ll want it hot but not boiling—once you start seeing steam and it’s beginning to shimmer around the edges, you’re ready for the next step. Trust me, heating too fast or bringing it to a boil risks burning the milk and giving the hot chocolate a funny taste.
Step 3: Combine the Chocolate Mixture with Warm Milk
Slowly add the cocoa and condensed milk mixture to your warm milk, whisking continuously. This is where the magic happens, and whisking ensures that nothing sticks to the bottom and the chocolate blends evenly into a luscious, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Heat Until Steamy (But Don’t Boil!)
Lower your heat to medium-low and keep stirring as the hot chocolate thickens and becomes piping hot. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be vigilant here — stirring continuously is key to preventing the mixture from scorching at the bottom. You want it hot and silky, but not boiling.
Step 5: Serve and Top with Marshmallows
Ladle that creamy hot chocolate into your favorite mugs and crown each cup with plenty of large marshmallows. As they gently melt, they form the perfect sweet, fluffy blanket that makes this treat truly irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe
- Slow and Low Heating: Heating slowly over medium-low heat prevents burning and helps the flavors meld perfectly.
- Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: Constant whisking keeps the cocoa and condensed milk from clumping and ensures a smooth finish.
- Don’t Skip the Condensed Milk: I learned early on that regular sugar just doesn’t achieve the same creamy texture or sweetness.
- Marshmallow Timing: Add marshmallows right before serving to avoid early melting and sogginess—freshly toasted is a real winner!
How to Serve Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic large marshmallows, I love tossing on a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a little cinnamon for extra warmth. A drizzle of caramel or a few chocolate shavings can elevate it to café-quality in seconds. When I’m feeling festive, a candy cane stick doubles as both garnish and stirrer and adds a minty kick.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this hot chocolate than buttery homemade biscuits, fluffy scones, or even a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven. I’ve also served it alongside a light fruit salad for balance during afternoon tea with friends—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve used mini glass mugs with handles and topped each with toasted marshmallows under a broiler for 1-2 minutes—watch closely! Adding a cinnamon stick or edible gold dust makes it feel extra luxe. Sometimes I even add whipped cream under the marshmallows for a layered, indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover creamy hot chocolate (which might be tough, but it happens!), pour it into a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. This is perfect for prepping in advance for a gathering or for quick warming on a busy morning.
Freezing
I haven’t commonly frozen hot chocolate, but if you want to try, freeze in a tightly sealed container leaving a bit of room for expansion. When thawed, you may need to whisk vigorously to restore that silky texture since dairy can sometimes separate.
Reheating
Reheating is best done gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring often. If you’re using the microwave, do it in short bursts with a good stir in between to prevent scorching or separating. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help refresh that creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use skim milk in this Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe?
You can, but skim milk lacks the fat needed for the rich, creamy texture this recipe is known for. Using skim milk will result in a thinner, less velvety drink, so I recommend whole or at least 2% milk for best results.
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Is sweetened condensed milk necessary?
Yes! Sweetened condensed milk not only sweetens your hot chocolate but also adds the creamy thickness that defines this recipe. Using granulated sugar instead won’t give you the same smooth, luscious texture.
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How do I prevent the hot chocolate from burning on the bottom?
Constant stirring and keeping the heat at medium-low after adding your chocolate mixture are key. Avoid boiling and never step away while it’s heating. Using a thick-bottomed saucepan also helps distribute heat evenly.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use sweetened condensed coconut milk or another vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it’s still delicious.
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What’s the best way to store leftover marshmallows?
Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their texture soft and fresh. You don’t want to refrigerate them because they can become sticky or tough.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s become my go-to comfort drink that never fails to warm me up and brighten even the coldest evenings. I love sharing it with my family and watching their eyes light up after the first sip. Give this recipe a try; I promise you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallow goodness as much as I do. Cozy up and savor every drop!
Print
Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows is a rich and velvety drink perfect for chilly weather or satisfying your chocolate cravings. Made with a blend of milk, sweetened condensed milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder, it offers a perfectly balanced sweetness and deep chocolate flavor, topped with fluffy marshmallows for an extra special treat.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 4 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Topping
- large marshmallows
Instructions
- Mix Cocoa and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a small bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk and the unsweetened cocoa powder together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Warm the Milk: Pour the milk into a large saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it starts to become warm but not boiling.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the cocoa and condensed milk mixture to the warm milk in the saucepan. Whisk continuously to fully incorporate the ingredients and create a smooth chocolate base.
- Heat the Hot Chocolate: Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat until it’s steamy and hot, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Do not allow it to boil, as this can cause the mixture to scorch on the bottom of the pan.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with large marshmallows for a delightful finishing touch.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover hot chocolate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Notes
- This hot chocolate is incredibly creamy and velvety, making it the perfect comforting drink for cold days or when you want a rich chocolate treat.
- Stir continuously while heating to prevent the mixture from burning or sticking.
- Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk or cocoa powder if you prefer your hot chocolate sweeter or more intense.
- Using whole milk will yield a richer and creamier texture, but 2% milk is a good alternative.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 66 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg
