Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

10 mins · Easy

 



The Snowy Cabin Cocoa Warm-Up

On chilly winter nights across America, families cozy up with a warm mug of homemade hot cocoa. Long before instant packets existed, people heated milk on the stove and whisked in real cocoa powder for a rich, velvety drink. Kids loved topping it with fluffy marshmallows that melted into sweet, gooey clouds. In snowy cabins, this was the magic drink that made cold nights feel warm and bright.
 

 


Time

10 mins

Servings

2 mugs

Difficulty

Easy


Ingredients

Classic Hot Cocoa Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk (any kind)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar (add +1 tbsp if you like it sweeter)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips (for extra richness)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Marshmallows for topping
    (Want to make them yourself? Tap here!)

Steps

  1. In a small pot, warm the milk over medium heat — don’t let it boil.

  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.

  3. Add chocolate chips (if using) and stir until melted and creamy.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

  5. Pour into mugs and top with as many marshmallows as your heart desires!


⚜


The Aztecs and Mayans drank warm chocolate thousands of years ago, but it wasn’t sweet! It was a spicy, frothy drink they believed gave warriors strength.

 


Nutrition (Per Serving) (≈ 1 mug / 1 cup / 240 ml hot cocoa)
Calories ≈ 220 kcal
Protein ≈ 8 g
Carbohydrates ≈ 28 g
Fiber ≈ 3 g
Total Sugars ≈ 23 g (46% DV)
Total Fat ≈ 8 g
Saturated Fat ≈ 4.5 g
Sodium ≈ 120 mg (5% DV)
 
Key Nutrients
Calcium (≈ 25% DV), Vitamin D (≈ 15% DV), Potassium (≈ 8% DV)
☕ Good to know
Want less sugar? Use 1 tbsp sugar (instead of 2) and your “Total Sugars” drops. Using low-fat or dairy-free milk can also lower the fat.
*Estimates assume the recipe makes 2 servings and uses 2 cups 2% milk, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, and a small marshmallow topping (~1 tbsp mini marshmallows). Optional chocolate chips not included. Sugar %DV shown using a 50g/day reference (added sugars). Values vary by milk type and topping amount.