Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Marshmallows is just the warm, cozy beverage you need to get into the holiday spirit. It’s pretty easy to whip up, too.

¾ angled view of a white mug of hot chocolate with homemade peppermint marshmallows on a saucer next to two marshmallows on a light grey surface dusted with powdered sugar.

Overhead view of a block of homemade peppermint marshmallow on parchment on a wood cutting board, surrounded by a bowl of chopped chocolate, a glass jug of milk, a small sieve and a bowl of powdered sugar with a couple marshmallows in it. Hands are in photo cutting out marshmallows.

This is Hot Chocolate, Not Hot Cocoa

This is a rich, decadent hot chocolate. Unlike the instant hot cocoa mix you might be familiar with, this recipe combines both cocoa powder and actual chocolate.

I tweaked this recipe until I achieved just the right balance of cocoa to chocolate, and cream to milk. I definitely prefer a dark, bittersweet chocolate for this beverage, but if you’re a milk chocolate person, you do you.

¾ angled view of hot chocolate being poured in a white mug on a grey textured surface with a plate of peppermint marshmallows in the background.

Close up overhead view of homemade peppermint marshmallows of red swirl.

After homemade marshmallows, you’ll never go back.

Homemade marshmallows are actually much easier to whip up than one might think. As long as you have a trusty thermometer and stand mixer, you’re in business.

To make things festive, I added a touch of peppermint extract to the marshmallow base, and swirled in some red food coloring for that candy cane look. Cute right?

Overhead view of a white mug of hot chocolate with homemade peppermint marshmallows on a saucer next to two marshmallows on a light grey surface dusted with powdered sugar.

Tips for An Extra Smooth Hot Chocolate

Dissolve the cocoa. Dissolve the cocoa powder in a little hot water to prevent lumps before mixing with remaining ingredients.
Don’t add the chocolate straight to the pot. I found when I added the chopped chocolate right into the pot of milk and cream, it didn’t dissolve perfectly. Instead, I recommend pouring a small amount of the milk mixture over the chocolate, as if you’re making a ganache. Let it sit for a couple minutes, whisk it up and then blend it into the rest of the milk mixture.

¾ angled view of hands holding a white mug of hot chocolate with homemade peppermint marshmallows on a saucer next to two marshmallows on a light grey surface dusted with powdered sugar.

More Holiday Treats

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Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Marshmallows

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5 from 1 review

Author: Sabrina Russo
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 cups hot chocolate, 64 1-inch marshmallows 1x

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Description

Hot chocolate with peppermint marshmallows is just the warm, cozy beverage you need to get into the holiday spirit. It’s pretty easy to whip up, too.

Ingredients

Scale

Peppermint Marshmallows:

2 packs (4 tsp) unflavored powdered gelatin
1 cup granulated sugar
²/₃ cup light corn syrup
¼ tsp kosher salt
½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ tsp vanilla extract
8–10 drops red food color
Butter or oil spray, for greasing
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Hot Chocolate:

3 tbsp cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 tsp dark brown sugar*
2 tsp granulated sugar
8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
½ tsp vanilla extract*
¼ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

Prepare marshmallow pan: Grease an 8×8 inch pan, line with parchment and grease again. Lightly coat in powdered sugar, tapping out any excess.
Bloom gelatin: Add gelatin to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Pour over ¹/₃ cup cold water and stir to combine. Allow to bloom for 5-10 minutes.
Heat sugars: Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt and ¹/₃ cup of water. Whisk to combine and dissolve over medium heat. Once dissolved, increase heat to medium-high and boil until mixture reaches 240°F.
Mix: With mixer on low, slowly pour sugar mixture into gelatin until combined. Increase speed to high and whip until white and fluffy, 15 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract. Add peppermint extract, ¼ teaspoon at a time, until desired flavor is achieved. I find ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to be noticeable yet subtle, while ¾ of a teaspoon is on the strong side.
Spread & color: Working quickly, transfer marshmallow mix to prepared pan, spread evenly and smooth top. Add drops of food color randomly around pan, and using a thin knife or skewer, swirl around to create red streaks and swirls. Gently tap and shake pan to flatten top. Allow to set up uncovered for 8 hours or overnight.
Cut & toss: Grease a chef’s knife and dust with powdered sugar. Transfer marshmallow to a cutting board. Dust top with sugar. Cut into 1 inch cubes, cleaning and re-greasing knife between cuts as needed. Toss marshmallows into powdered sugar, dusting off any excess. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Dissolve cocoa: Dissolve cocoa powder in ¼ cup of boiling water, whisking to combine.
Heat milk mixture: Combine milk, cream, sugars and salt in a small pan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low.
Melt chocolate: Place chopped chocolate in a bowl and ladle in just enough of warm milk mixture to cover. Allow to sit for 3-4 minutes. Whisk to combine. Transfer chocolate mixture and dissolved cocoa to pot and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Serve: Pour hot chocolate into serving mugs and top with marshmallows. Enjoy.

Notes

For a double dose of peppermint flavor, consider add a few drops of peppermint extract, to taste, straight to the hot chocolate.

Feel free to substitute more granulated sugar for brown sugar. The brown sugar just provides a molasses flavor which almost makes the Hot Chocolate taste more chocolately.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Whisk, whip
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup hot chocolate + 3 marshmallows
Calories: 550
Sugar: 33g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 71g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 10g