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Quick Hot Cocoa Bar with Peppermint Marshmallows: Easy Winter Treat

hot cocoa bar with peppermint marshmallows - featured image
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A quick and easy hot cocoa bar featuring homemade peppermint marshmallows that come together in about 20 minutes. Perfect for winter gatherings, snow days, or cozy nights by the fire.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 3 tablespoons or 21g)
  • 1 cup cold water (240ml), divided
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
  • 1 cup light corn syrup (340g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g), for dusting
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups whole milk (960ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90g)
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional)
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
  • Caramel sauce (optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks (optional)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Lightly spray with nonstick spray. Whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup cornstarch, dust generously over parchment, and tap out excess.
  2. Bloom the gelatin: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1/2 cup cold water with 3 envelopes gelatin. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until thick and jiggly.
  3. Cook the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup cold water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring once it boils. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until 240°F (115°C), about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Combine and whip: With mixer on low, slowly pour hot syrup into bloomed gelatin. Increase speed to high and whip for 10-12 minutes until thick, glossy, and stiff peaks form. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract during the last minute.
  5. Add color (optional): Dollop red gel food coloring on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer.
  6. Spread and set: Scrape marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Use a lightly oiled spatula to spread evenly. Dust top with more powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture. Let sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Cut and store: Turn marshmallow block onto a cutting board dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment. Cut into 1-inch cubes using a knife or pizza cutter dusted with powdered sugar. Toss cubes in powdered sugar mixture. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  8. Bloom the cocoa: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add about 1/2 cup milk and whisk into a smooth paste.
  9. Add remaining milk: Pour in remaining 3 1/2 cups milk and whisk. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles form around edges (do not boil), about 5-7 minutes.
  10. Add chocolate and vanilla: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust sweetness or chocolate flavor to taste.
  11. Keep warm: Transfer cocoa to a slow cooker set to ‘warm’ or keep on stove over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  12. Assemble the hot cocoa bar: Arrange warm cocoa in a dispenser or slow cooker. Place peppermint marshmallows in a bowl. Set out bowls of toppings: crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks.
  13. Serve: Ladle cocoa into mugs. Let everyone add their own marshmallows and toppings.

Notes

Make marshmallows first as they need at least 4 hours to set. Humidity can affect marshmallow texture; use a dehumidifier if needed. For dairy-free, use oat milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. For vegan, substitute agar-agar for gelatin. Store marshmallows at room temperature, not refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa, hot chocolate, peppermint marshmallows, winter treat, holiday drink, easy recipe, homemade marshmallows

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/quick-hot-cocoa-bar-with-peppermint-marshmallows-easy-winter-treat/