If you’re on the hunt for that ultimate cozy drink, you’ve got to try my Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe. It’s everything you want on a chilly day—rich, velvety, and topped off with those perfectly gooey marshmallows that just melt into sweetness. I’ve made hot chocolate plenty of ways, but this version? It’s become my family’s absolute favorite, and I promise you’ll love it just as much once you give it a go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Creamy Texture: The sweetened condensed milk makes the hot chocolate extra smooth and velvety, unlike any other recipe I’ve tried.
- Easy to Make: With just a few pantry staples and quick steps, you’ll have a warm cup ready in less than 15 minutes.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The cocoa powder and condensed milk combo keeps it sweet but not overpowering, making every sip delightful.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family and friends beg me to make this at every gathering, so you can bet it’s a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe is all in how these ingredients blend together to create that luscious, warm drink we all crave. Choosing good-quality cocoa powder and whole milk really makes a difference here.
- Milk: Whole milk is my go-to for richness, but 2% works just fine if you want something a little lighter.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient that adds creaminess plus just the right amount of sweetness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Using unsweetened gives you control over the chocolate intensity and prevents it from being too sweet.
- Marshmallows: Large marshmallows give you that perfect melty top—nothing beats a gooey marshmallow surprise!
Variations
I love how this creamy hot chocolate lends itself perfectly to tweaks—whether you want to adjust sweetness, add new flavors, or make it dairy-free. Feel free to play around and make it your own!
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder for a subtle kick, which my friends always find surprisingly delicious.
- Vegan Variation: Swap the milk and condensed milk for coconut milk and a coconut sweetened condensed milk alternative—still rich and comforting!
- Extra Chocolatey: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips while heating for melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Minty Twist: Adding a drop of peppermint extract brightens up the classic flavor for a festive touch.
How to Make Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Chocolate Base
Start by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened cocoa powder in a small bowl. This step is key to avoid any clumps and get that smooth, chocolaty foundation. I always give it a good whisk until the cocoa dissolves completely—it makes all the difference.
Step 2: Warm the Milk Gently
Pour the milk into a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. You’ll want it warm but not boiling—that means watching closely as it heats. Once you notice it’s just starting to steam, that’s when you add your chocolate mixture.
Step 3: Whisk and Heat Through
Slowly add the cocoa-condensed milk mix to the warm milk, whisking constantly. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir continuously to prevent scorching. This is a step I learned to take slow—letting it get hot but never reaching a boil keeps everything creamy and prevents any bitter burnt taste.
Step 4: Serve with Marshmallow Toppings
Ladle your beautifully creamy hot chocolate into mugs and crown each one with big, fluffy marshmallows. As they slowly melt, you get this dreamy texture and sweetness that’s just irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe
- Whisk to Prevent Clumps: When mixing cocoa powder with sweetened condensed milk, whisk really well until silky to avoid grainy bits.
- Watch the Heat: I once burned a batch by boiling it, so keep the heat moderate and stir often to keep the bottom from scorching.
- Use Quality Cocoa: The right cocoa powder makes a massive flavor difference, so don’t skip on the good stuff.
- Top Immediately: Adding marshmallows right after pouring keeps them delightfully melty and prevents sinking too fast.
How to Serve Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to big fluffy marshmallows because they melt perfectly on top, but sometimes I dust a little cocoa or even grate some dark chocolate over the marshmallows just before serving. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a tiny hint of sea salt on top adds a cool contrast too.
Side Dishes
This creamy hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with simple butter cookies or biscotti. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside warm cinnamon rolls or a slice of banana bread—that combo feels downright heavenly on a cold afternoon.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this hot chocolate in clear glass mugs to show off the rich color topped with fluffy marshmallows. Adding a candy cane as a stirrer or a cute cinnamon stick adds charm and extra flavor layers that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover creamy hot chocolate (which is rare here!), store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. I always use a glass jar with a tight lid to keep it fresh and ready to reheat.
Freezing
I haven’t frozen this recipe myself because fresh is best, but if you want to freeze, do it in small portions in airtight containers. Just know that the texture might shift a bit once thawed, so plan to reheat gently and stir well.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly. This keeps it creamy and prevents separation. The microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between rounds to maintain that silky texture.
FAQs
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Can I use milk alternatives for this Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, but for best creaminess, choose a full-fat version. Also, look for a sweetened condensed milk alternative or make your own vegan condensed milk if you want to keep the richness intact.
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How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you’d like it less sweet, reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly and add a bit more cocoa powder to keep the chocolate flavor balanced. You can always add a touch of honey or maple syrup at the end if you feel it needs a little sweetness.
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What’s the best way to avoid burning the hot chocolate while heating?
The key is to use medium-low heat and stir continuously, especially after adding the chocolate mixture. Never let it boil. Keeping an eye on the heat and stirring will keep it from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
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Can I add flavored syrups to the hot chocolate?
Yes! Adding a splash of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup after heating can enhance the flavor. Just add it off the heat to keep the temperature and texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
I truly love how this Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Recipe has become a staple for my family’s chilly evenings. It’s simple, comforting, and feels like a little hug in a mug every time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation for every cold day and chocolate craving. Go ahead—make a batch, grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy every luscious sip with your favorite marshmallows on top!
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
A rich and creamy hot chocolate made with milk, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and topped with large marshmallows. Perfect for warming up on chilly days or when you need a comforting chocolaty treat.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Topping
- Large marshmallows
Instructions
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Heat Milk: In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it starts to get warm but not boiling.
- Add Chocolate Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture into the warm milk and whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely combined and smooth.
- Simmer: Continue heating the hot chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Heat until the mixture is steamy and hot but do not let it boil to avoid burning the bottom of the pan.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top each serving with large marshmallows.
- Store and Reheat: Store any unused hot chocolate in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave as desired.
Notes
- This hot chocolate is incredibly creamy and velvety smooth, making it an ideal comforting drink for cold weather or when you crave chocolate.
- Do not boil the mixture to prevent it from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Use whole or 2% milk for best creaminess; you may substitute with dairy alternatives but flavor and texture may vary.
- Add marshmallows just before serving to keep them from melting too fast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- 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
