Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

Photo Credit
Edalin/Shutterstock
The Editors
Yield
4 servings
Category
Course
Preparation Method
Sources
Print Friendly and PDF

What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? Chocolate is made with both cocoa solids AND cocoa butter, but cocoa powder has much of the cocoa butter removed.  So, hot cocoa should taste more chocolate-y (i.e., just cocoa), and hot chocolate should have a richer taste (with cocoa AND butter).

In this recipe, we mix both—cocoa and chunks of bittersweet chocolate—at least 70% cacao. If you have time, melt the chocolate separately for a smoother flavor (see details below); otherwise, just heat it all together and pour it into mugs!

hot-chocolate-1908259_1920_full_width.jpg
Put this mix into a jar for a thoughtful and delicious holiday treat!

Need an easy gift idea? In a mason jar or similar clear container, layer the dry ingredients (cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon) and top with mini marshmallows. Or you can pre-mix all the dry ingredients and top with mini marshmallows! Add a candy cane, cinnamon stick, or another treat if you’d like!

Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
4 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped*
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
mini marshmallows
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring milk to a gentle simmer. 
  2. Whisk in sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate, and cinnamon (if using). Simmer the mixture, whisking continuously, until the chocolate and sugar are melted and the mixture begins to thicken.
  3. Divide among four mugs. Serve topped with mini marshmallows. Try making your own (recipe below)!

*If you have the time, melt chocolate separately in a double boiler (or, just set a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water). Heat milk with other ingredients separately. Once the chocolate is melted, whisk into the milk mixture.

Homemade Mini-Marshmallows

Ingredients
1 cup ice-cold water, divided
3 packages unflavored gelatin
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
  1. In the bowl of a standing mixer with a whisk attachment, pour ½ cup ice-cold water. Place gelatin on top of the water. Have whisk attachment standing by.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the remaining ½ cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until mixture reaches 240º, 8-10 minutes. 
  3. Remove from heat immediately. With the mixer on low speed, pour sugar syrup slowly down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you’ve added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. 
  4. Continue whipping until the mixture is very thick, 12-15 minutes. 
  5. Add vanilla.
  6. Combine confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. 
  7. Line 4 rimmed baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper. Mist with nonstick cooking spray, and dust with sugar/cornstarch mixture. 
  8. Scoop the syrup/gelatin mixture into a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1 inch between strips. 
  9. Sprinkle tops with enough of the cornstarch mixture to cover lightly. Let strips set 4 hours, or up to overnight.
  10. Cut into ½-inch pieces; then dust all sides of each marshmallow lightly with remaining sugar/cornstarch mixture. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Yield: Approximately one pound of marshmallows

About The Author

The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

We love introducing fun new recipes as well as time-tested recipes, straight from the archives! Read More from The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors