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Easy Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bar with Marshmallows

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A quick and cozy hot cocoa bar featuring rich, creamy peppermint hot cocoa with a toppings bar of marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and whipped cream. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, ready in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

  • Whole milk, 4 cups (960 ml)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup (40 g)
  • Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g)
  • Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
  • Salt, a pinch
  • Peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
  • Mini marshmallows, 2 cups (about 100 g)
  • Crushed candy canes, 1/2 cup (about 60 g)
  • Whipped cream, 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Chocolate shavings, 1/4 cup (30 g) (optional)
  • Peppermint sticks or stirring spoons (optional)
  • Dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (45 g) (optional)
  • Cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk: Pour 4 cups of whole milk into a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot but not boiling (little bubbles form around edges, about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Whisk in dry ingredients: Remove pan from heat. Add 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until smooth and no lumps remain.
  3. Add extracts: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or peppermint as desired.
  4. Prepare toppings bar: While cocoa heats, crush candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Fill small bowls with crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, and optional toppings. If making whipped cream, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form.
  5. Assemble and serve: Ladle hot cocoa into mugs, filling about 3/4 full. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes. Add chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately with a peppermint stick for stirring.

Notes

Don’t let the milk boil to avoid scorching. Add peppermint extract off heat to preserve flavor. For smoother cocoa, temper cocoa powder with a little warm milk first. Leftover cocoa keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa, peppermint, hot chocolate, marshmallows, candy canes, Christmas, winter, easy, quick, toppings bar

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/easy-peppermint-hot-cocoa-bar-with-marshmallows/