Description
A rich, comforting hot chocolate made with whole milk and dark chocolate, featuring a unique trick of toasting marshmallows for caramelized depth, topped with spicy cinnamon whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet, approx. 60% cocoa)
- 1.5 cups standard white marshmallows
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Toast the marshmallows: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat without oil. Add marshmallows in a single layer and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until edges are golden brown. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a parchment-lined plate to cool.
- Warm the milk: In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and salt. Heat over medium-low until hot with small bubbles around the edges (do not boil). Skim off any skin that forms.
- Melt the chocolate: Reduce heat to low. Add dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Whisk constantly until completely melted and smooth (approx. 2 minutes). Taste and add sugar if needed, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine: Turn off heat. Stir in half of the toasted marshmallows. Pour into mugs and top with remaining toasted marshmallows.
- Make cinnamon whipped cream: In a cold mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, cinnamon, and 1 tsp sugar on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes). Dollop generously over the hot chocolate.
Notes
Do not burn the milk; use medium-low heat. Toast marshmallows in batches if necessary to avoid steaming. Chill the mixing bowl and beaters for 15 minutes before whipping cream for best results. Reserve half the toasted marshmallows for garnish. Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated for 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk. Toasted marshmallows and whipped cream do not store well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug with whipped c
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, cinnamon whipped cream, winter drink, comfort food, easy recipe, dairy-free option