S’mores hot chocolate is the perfect combo of two childhood favorites to enjoy during the colder weather.
Hot cocoa is a staple in the northeastern part of the country. But, global warming is definitely a thing, so the cooler temperatures are country-wide lately. Hot cocoa can be enjoyed just like s’mores, all year round. My s’mores hot chocolate recipe blends both perfectly!
I’m a HUGE fan of both hot cocoa and S’mores, so combining two of my favorites sweet treats was a no brainer.
What are S’mores?
S’mores are a popular dessert where a piece of chocolate candy bar is sandwiched between two Graham crackers, and roasted marshmallows are sandwiched between the two crackers, which are roasted over a campfire. The toasted marshmallows have a slight caramel flavor. The chocolate bar will melt from the marshmallow’s heat.
How to make S’mores hot chocolate
You’ll never buy the prepackaged hot cocoa again once you’ve tried this recipe! To make the hot chocolate:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small sauce pot.
- Whisk thoroughly while heating over medium heat.
- Remove the hot cocoa from the heat when it simmers, and pour into your favorite mug.
Graham crackers have a flavor that is hard to mimic without the proper ingredients. It is also a third of the components needed to make S’mores. To get this flavor into the beverage, half of a Graham cracker is crushed into the beverage while it simmers, which dissolves.
The garnish also makes the drink, of course! Graham cracker crumbs are sprinkled on top of the hot chocolate. Marshmallows are toasted in the drink using a blow torch.
How to toast the marshmallows for the S’mores hot chocolate
S’mores are traditionally made by roasting marshmallows over the flame of a camp fire. Please don’t build a fire to make this recipe.
After they have been added to the hot cocoa, toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch.
Kitchen torches are available in different sizes. I used Culinary Jo’s kitchen torch, which I love because of it’s size. The butane for the torch is also refillable!
If there is no torch, the marshmallows can be roasted in the oven. Place the marshmallows onto an aluminum lined tray, and place under the broiler for a few seconds, toasting to your desired color. Add the roasted marshmallows to your hot chocolate with a spoon.
What makes the S’mores hot chocolate rich?
The half and half
Most hot chocolate recipes are made with milk, or sometimes with a mixture of milk and water. I wanted this recipe to have a velvety texture. So the hot chocolate is made with half and half.
Half and half can be found in the dairy aisle of your local grocery. It is made of equal parts milk and heavy cream, and is often used for cooking and coffee. This hot cocoa is thicker and smoother when using the half and half, making it more of a dessert!
If you want a less rich version, the half and half can be replaced with milk. Also, if half and half is not available, use 6 ounces of milk and 2 ounces of heavy cream for the recipe.
The Graham cracker
A graham cracker is added to the hot cocoa while it is simmering. It acts as a thickening agent for the drink.
Can I make the hot cocoa dairy free?
Yes it can! You can use any milk alternatives that you want!
I have another popular hot chocolate recipe that you’ll be sure to love. Check out my Chocolate Hazelnut Hot Cocoa. And once the weather gets warmer, give my No-Churn S’mores Ice Cream a shot!
Rich S’mores Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- small sauce pot
- Whisk
- coffee mug
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 4 ounces milk
- 4 ounces half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 graham cracker square crushed
- Marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for garnish
Instructions
- In a small sauce pot, whisk together the cinnamon, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Slowly pour the milk into the pot while whisking to dissolve the dry ingredients. Pour in the half and half and vanilla extract, and whisk to thoroughly combine.
- Add the chocolate chips, honey, and the crushed graham cracker.
- Warm the ingredients on medium heat, stirring occasionally with a whisk to melt the chocolate chips. After about 5 minutes, the liquid will begin to steam.
- Once the mixture starts to bubble along the sides of the pot, immediately remove from the heat.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug.
- Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs for garnish. Top with marshmallows and toast with a handheld torch.