Quick Homemade S’mores Hot Chocolate for One
When the weather gets cold, I love hot chocolate. When I was a kid, I used to come home from school, pop a bag of popcorn, and make a glass of chocolate milk while I sneakily watched A Different World (or whatever “fun” show was on the few non-cable channels we had). Now as an adult, in the colder months, I do the same but with hot chocolate.
I realized more recently, though, that the powdered packets from the grocery store just aren’t cutting it. I want my hot chocolate to be creamy and delicious and CHOCOLATEY. This hot chocolate gives me chocolate and churro vibes – though not quite as thick since we’re just drinking it here, people. It’s creamy and oh-so chocolate-packed with the added charm of graham cracker crumbs and charred marshmallows for that fun s’mores vibe. Plus, it’s a single-serve hot chocolate and all for you!
So whether you’re making it to a campfire soon or not, you can have yummy, drinkable s’mores-y hot chocolate, just for one, whenever you wish!
S’MORES HOT CHOCOLATE
When I studied abroad, I visited Spain on a school break and had the best churros of my life in Madrid. They were simply dipped in this melty chocolate, and I, of course, had to visit multiple times before leaving, because I just couldn’t get enough. This hot chocolate reminds me of that chocolate magic.
Take your favorite hot chocolate but make it creamier, filled with some graham cracker crumbles (which melt right in), and top with fresh whipped cream – oh, and a marshmallow roasted to your preference (I like mine CRISPY). As a s’mores girl, this drink is everything I love and more.
How to make homemade whipped cream: All you need is heavy whipping cream and a little bit of powdered sugar (if you want it sweetened, of course). You can also add a splash of vanilla but that’s totally optional, just adds another level of flavor. Sift your powdered sugar over your cream in a bowl (with space for the mixture to grow!) and beat until light and fluffy. As soon as it’s like a soft cloud, stop mixing. If you mix too much, it will turn greasy because eventually it will turn into sweetened butter. That’s not what we’re doing here.
INGREDIENTS
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For the perfect fluffy topping
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten our fresh whip
- Milk: Loosens your chocolate while adding a silky element
- Milk Chocolate: Buy a bar and chop it fresh for the best melt
- Cocoa Powder: Adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: To bring that drinkable s’mores vibe and for a cute topping
- Granulated Sugar: To sweeten up our hot chocolate as it melts together
- Mini Marshmallows: Optional, but not really if you want a true s’mores situation
Why should you use bar chocolate instead of chocolate chips? The quality of a bar of chocolate is typically higher, not to mention that they are filled with fewer added ingredients, than chocolate chips. By chopping up a bar of chocolate, you’ll get a creamy, smooth finish to your hot chocolate that tastes so much better!
HOW TO MAKE S’MORES HOT CHOCOLATE
Whisk together your cold heavy cream and powdered sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy (this will take a few minutes), then place in the fridge to stay chilled while you make your hot chocolate.
In a small pot over medium heat on your stove, pour your milk. Once it starts to steam, whisk in your cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Continue to whisk as you add in your chopped milk chocolate, stirring regularly until everything is melted and the mixture is warmed through.
Pour your warm hot chocolate into your mug of choice and allow to cool for a few minutes. Top with your fresh whipped cream, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows. I like to stick a few mini marshmallows tightly together on a toothpick or fork and light a match, carefully running the marshmallows through the flame to char them. Who needs a campfire when you can flame a ‘mallow right in your own kitchen!
3 reasons you’ll love this hot chocolate
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- I love some fresh whipped cream but feel free to omit if you prefer your hot chocolate simply topped with marshmallows (though I highly recommend giving them a roast with a lighter or match for the full s’mores vibe).
- Place a few marshmallows on a toothpick or fork, making sure they are close together. Run them back and forth through a flame (I usually light a match) until charred to perfection. Personally, if it’s not black and crispy I don’t want it!
- Change up the chocolate to your preference. If you prefer a richer hot chocolate, swap in for some, or all, bittersweet chocolate or even do a half and half combo with some white chocolate!
CAN THIS HOT CHOCOLATE BE MADE IN ADVANCE?
Yes! You can easily make this chocolate and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to drink it. Make sure to heat it back up to your preferred “hot” temperature before downing it. The hot chocolate will last in the fridge on its own for four days. The whipped cream will keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but be sure to give it a few whips with a whisk if not using immediately, before topping, to bring it back to full fluff potential!
MORE SINGLE SERVE RECIPES
Why make a batch when you could make it just for yourself? For more chocolate, try this Easy Chocolate Mug Cake that comes together all in one… mug! Looking for another drink? This Matcha Gingerade makes for a sweet and tart energy boost. Or maybe you’re craving cheesecake? This Mini Key Lime Cheesecake with fresh whipped cream on top is simply the best!
Equipment
- Small pot
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp powdered sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 oz milk chocolate chopped
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- Graham crackers for garnish optional
- Mini marshmallows optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together your cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until whipped and fluffy (this will take a few minutes). Place in the fridge while you make your hot chocolate
- Pour your milk into a small pot and place over medium heat on your stove
- Once your milk starts to steam, whisk in your cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and graham cracker crumbs
- Whisk in the chopped milk chocolate and heat until warmed through, stirring regularly
- Pour into your mug and let cool a few minutes before topping with fresh whipped cream, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows. For an added “s’more” flare, stick a few mini marshmallows on a toothpick and light a match. Carefully run the marshmallows through the flame to char them, similar to a s’more over a campfire!
- Enjoy!
