S’mores Hot Chocolate

As the weather cools, there is nothing better than drinking a cozy cup of s’mores hot chocolate wrapped in blanket on your couch by the fireplace! It is seriously so comforting! This decadent drink is the perfect combination of creamy hot chocolate, sweet graham cracker crumbs, and toasty marshmallows. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day or to enjoy after a day of fall and winter adventures. Imagine combining cozy hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate and graham cracker crumbs. The result is a delicious and satisfying drink that’s perfect for any occasion. This s’mores hot chocolate is also so easily customizable!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate

It’s so easily customizable!

This hot chocolate is super kid-friendly.

It is a very easy and quick recipe to make and is ready in just a few minutes!

This hot chocolate can easily be made gluten free and dairy free.

This recipe is perfect for cozy winter days or crisp fall days.

It is the perfect way to satisfy a chocolate craving.

This drink will warm you from the inside out!

Equipment Needed

All you need for this recipe is a mug, plate and a microwave.

Ingredients Needed

Milk: Feel free to use any type of milk you want here! I used dairy free milk because I am dairy free.

Chocolate: Any chocolate will work well here. Switch it up by using different flavors. I used dairy free chocolate here because I am dairy free. You can use chocolate chips or chocolate bars.

Vanilla Extract: I love the flavor that vanilla adds to desserts!

Cacao Powder: Cacao powder is the main ingredient in hot chocolate, and it gives the drink its characteristic rich, chocolatey flavor. Cacao powder is made from roasted and ground cacao beans, which are the seeds of the cacao tree. Cacao beans contain a number of beneficial compounds, including antioxidants, flavonoids and magnesium.

Sugar: I like to use coconut sugar in my desserts because it has a lower glycemic index than table sugar, which means that it does not cause blood sugar levels to spike as quickly.

Marshmallows: Marshmallows are an essential ingredient in s’mores hot chocolate. They add a sweet, fluffy texture and a slightly toasted flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate. Marshmallows can also be used to make s’mores hot chocolate more visually appealing, with their white color contrasting nicely with the rich chocolate.

Graham Crackers: These are crushed and used for the rim of the mug as well as sprinkled on top! You can also use cookies here.

Honey: Honey is used in this recipe to help the graham crackers stick to the rim of the mug!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Heat up the dairy-free milk in the microwave or over the stove.

Step 3: While that’s heating up, broil marshmallows in the oven on a baking sheet for 2 minutes, or until browned. 

Step 4:  Add in 2 tbsp chocolate chips, coconut sugar, cacao powder and vanilla. Stir to combine throughly.

Step 5: Microwave again for 30 seconds. 

Step 6: Roll the rim of a mug in honey and then in crushed cookies or graham crackers. Pour hot cocoa into the mug with the rim.

Step 7: Add in marshmallows. Melt remaining chocolate chips and drizzle on top. Top with extra cookie or graham cracker crumbles and enjoy!

Storage

I would recommend consuming this s’mores hot chocolate immediately! If you would like to store it in the fridge, I recommend storing the hot chocolate only and adding the marshmallows later on. This will prevent them from becoming soggy!

Variations

Try out these fun variations of s’mores hot chocolate:

• Almond s’mores hot chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to this s’mores hot chocolate recipe for a nutty almond flavor. You can also garnish the hot chocolate with crushed almonds or slivered almonds.
• Peppermint s’mores hot chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to this recipe for a minty and festive flavor. You can also garnish the hot chocolate with crushed candy canes or peppermint shavings.
• Candy cane s’mores hot chocolate: To make candy cane s’mores hot chocolate, simply add a candy cane to each mug of hot chocolate before serving. The candy cane will slowly melt and release its minty flavor into the drink. You can also garnish the hot chocolate with crushed candy canes or peppermint shavings.

What Kind of Chocolate to Use

You can use a variety of different types of chocolate to make this s’mores hot chocolate. Here are some suggestions:

Chocolate bars:

• Semisweet chocolate: This is a classic choice for s’mores hot chocolate. It has a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs well with the marshmallows and graham crackers.
• Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate is a bit sweeter than semisweet chocolate, but it still has a rich chocolatey flavor. It’s a good choice for people who prefer a sweeter s’mores hot chocolate.
• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate has a more intense chocolate flavor than semisweet or milk chocolate. It’s a good choice for people who like a richer, more complex flavor profile.

Flavored chocolate bars:

• Mint chocolate: Mint chocolate is a delicious and festive choice for s’mores hot chocolate. It adds a minty freshness to the drink.
• Peanut butter chocolate: Peanut butter chocolate is another classic combination. It adds a nutty flavor and a bit of creaminess to the hot chocolate.
• Caramel chocolate: Caramel chocolate is a decadent choice for s’mores hot chocolate. It adds a sweet and rich caramel flavor to the drink.

Chocolate chips:

• Semisweet chocolate chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are a convenient and easy-to-use option for s’mores hot chocolate. They melt quickly and easily in the hot milk.
• Milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips are another good option for s’mores hot chocolate. They add a bit of sweetness and creaminess to the drink.
• Dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips are a good choice for people who like a richer, more complex flavor profile.

How to Roast The Marshmallows

Here are some different ways to roast marshmallows at home:

Over a stovetop: This is a great option if you don’t have an oven or a broiler. Skewer the marshmallows and hold them over the stovetop until they are golden brown and slightly toasted.

In a toaster oven: This is another convenient option for roasting marshmallows at home. Place the marshmallows on the baking rack in the toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to broil and cook the marshmallows for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly toasted.

In an air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the marshmallows in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly toasted.

Using a kitchen torch: This is a fun and unique way to roast marshmallows at home. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the outside of the marshmallow while leaving the inside soft and gooey. Be careful not to over-roast the marshmallows, or they will catch fire.

Using a fireplace or campfire: If you have a fireplace or campfire, you can roast marshmallows over the open flame. Simply skewer the marshmallows and hold them over the fire until they are golden brown and slightly toasted. Be careful not to overcrowd the fire, or the marshmallows will not roast evenly.

How to Make The Graham Cracker Rim

Dip the rim of the mug in the honey. Make sure to coat the entire rim, including the inside and outside. You can crush the graham crackers by hand, in a food processor, or in a blender. Roll the rim of the mug in the crushed graham crackers until the entire rim is coated.

Recipe FAQ

What happens when you put marshmallows in hot chocolate? 

When you put marshmallows in hot chocolate, they absorb the hot liquid and begin to dissolve. The sugar and gelatin in the marshmallows cause them to melt and become soft and gooey. The marshmallows also release their flavor into the hot chocolate, making it even more delicious.

Do marshmallows make hot chocolate better?

Personally, I think so!

Do marshmallows keep hot chocolate hot?

Yes, marshmallows can help to keep hot chocolate hot. This is because marshmallows are made with sugar and gelatin, which are both good insulators. Insulators are materials that resist the flow of heat. When you put marshmallows in hot chocolate, they form a layer on top of the drink that helps to trap the heat inside. This can help to keep the hot chocolate hot for longer.

What is s’mores flavor?

S’mores flavor is a sweet, toasty and slightly smoky flavor that is reminiscent of the classic campfire treat. It is created by combining the flavors of roasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.

What to add to hot chocolate that is unique?

• Spices: Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom can add a depth of flavor to hot chocolate. You can also try using more unusual spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Extracts: Extracts like vanilla, almond, and peppermint can add a touch of sweetness and flavor to hot chocolate. You can also try using more unique extracts like orange, maple, or coffee extract.
• Alcohol: A shot of your favorite liquor, such as whiskey, brandy, or rum, can add a boozy twist to hot chocolate. You can also use liqueurs like Bailey’s Irish Cream or Creme de Menthe.
• Salted caramel: Salted caramel is a delicious and trendy flavor that can also be added to hot chocolate. You can buy salted caramel syrup or make your own by combining caramel sauce with a pinch of salt.
• Peanut butter: Peanut butter adds a creamy and nutty flavor to hot chocolate. You can use melted peanut butter or peanut butter chips.
• Other sweets: Other sweets like chocolate chips, candy canes, and marshmallows can also be added to hot chocolate for a fun and festive treat.

How do you toast the marshmallows inside?

To toast marshmallows inside, you can make them over a stovetop, in an air fryer, in the oven, using a fireplace or using a kitchen torch. Please see above for specific instructions!

What size marshmallows should I use?

Feel free to use mini or large marshmallows here. Both are delicious!

Is there caffeine in s’mores hot chocolate?

Yes, there is a small amount of caffeine in hot chocolate. The amount of caffeine in hot chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate used and the size of the serving. However, most hot chocolate drinks contain about 5-10 milligrams of caffeine per serving. This is much less than the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee, which contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine.

Can I reheat s’mores hot chocolate?

S’mores hot chocolate can definitely be reheated. If you are planning to store the hot chocolate in the fridge, I would recommend adding the marshmallows later on.

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these delicious dessert recipes next:

Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

Gluten Free Mug Brownie

Sunbutter Cookies

Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches

Birthday Cookie Bars

If you make this s’mores hot chocolate and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.