Description
A thick, velvety hot chocolate made with real chocolate and butter, topped with cinnamon whipped cream and toasted marshmallows. This cozy drink is ready in about 10-15 minutes and tastes like a bakery treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate (chopped bars or chips)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup marshmallows (divided: some for melting, some for toasting)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Chop chocolate bars into small pieces if using bars; set aside.
- Pour whole milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until small bubbles form around the edges and steam rises (about 3-4 minutes). Do not boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Add chopped chocolate and butter. Stir gently but constantly with a whisk or frother until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy (2-3 minutes).
- Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour hot chocolate into mugs, filling them about ¾ full.
- In a cold mixing bowl, combine cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes).
- Toast marshmallows using one of two methods: Microwave for 30-45 seconds until puffed, or broil on high for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Top each mug of hot chocolate with a generous dollop of cinnamon whipped cream and pile toasted marshmallows on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the milk as it can scald and ruin the flavor. Keep the cream and bowl cold to ensure the whipped cream whips properly. Toast marshmallows carefully as they burn quickly. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream. This recipe is best made fresh, but the chocolate base can be prepared ahead and reheated gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 42
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: hot chocolate, marshmallow hot chocolate, cinnamon whipped cream, fall recipe, cozy drink, winter beverage, homemade hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows