Creamy Coconut Hot Chocolate

Creamy Coconut Hot Chocolate has become one of my favorite cozy drinks to whip up for winter gatherings and snow days It is impossibly rich velvety smooth and just the right amount of chocolatey sweetness The homemade snowman marshmallows make any mug extra magical and always get a big smile from guests of all ages

This recipe quickly became a must have for our December movie marathons My friends still talk about the first time I showed up with a thermos and a handful of smiling snowmen

Ingredients

• Canned coconut milk: creates the ultra creamy base Use full fat for best results and check that the only ingredients are coconut and water
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: bring classic chocolate flavor Choose a high quality brand for a rich melt
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: deepens the chocolate taste Dutch process will give a smoother finish if you can find it
• Real maple syrup: provides natural sweetness and complexity Taste and adjust to your liking depending on your chocolate and how sweet you want it
• Vanilla extract: upgrades the aroma and flavor Use real vanilla if possible
• A pinch of flaky salt: balances the sweet and brings out more chocolate flavor Go for sea salt or kosher salt if you have it
• Coconut whipped cream: for dreamy topping If making your own chill the coconut cream before whipping
• Grated cinnamon or chocolate shavings optional: for dusting the tops Adds a little warmth or a pretty finish
• For the snowman marshmallows: regular marshmallows are best for building
• Pretzel sticks: make the snowman body edible and give crunch
• Rosemary sprigs: become a scarf Skip if you want to store the snowmen for more than a day
• Melted chocolate: is perfect for piping the faces and buttons Just a little goes a long way
• Peppermint meringue cookies: create the cutest snowman hats Use crisp small cookies for best effect

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Hot Chocolate:

Add all your coconut milk chocolate chips cocoa powder maple syrup vanilla and a pinch of salt into a large heavy pot Place the pot over medium low heat and stir often You want the milk to be steaming hot and the chocolate fully melted but never boiling This slow gentle heating helps everything blend smoothly without burning

Serve it Up:

When the hot chocolate is piping hot ladle it carefully into mugs Top generously with coconut whipped cream and any fun toppings like grated cinnamon chocolate shavings or those homemade snowmen Serve right away for the best experience

Try the Slow Cooker Method:

Place all the hot chocolate ingredients in your slow cooker Set it to low and cook for about 2 hours stirring every so often Once hot turn to warm to keep the cocoa ready for hours Perfect for parties and holiday mornings

Make the Snowman Marshmallows:

For each snowman start by sliding a marshmallow onto a pretzel stick Then press a second marshmallow underneath Tie a rosemary sprig around the top marshmallow for a scarf and press a third marshmallow above it so the scarf is anchored Set the snowmen on a parchment lined tray

Decorate with Chocolate:

Pour melted chocolate into a small ziplock bag Snip off the tiniest corner and pipe on eyes smile buttons and a little dot for the hat Gently press a peppermint meringue cookie into the dollop on top for a cute winter hat Place the tray in the fridge and chill for about 10 minutes so the chocolate can set fully

Store Your Snowmen:

Keep finished marshmallows in a sealed container for up to a month If storing for more than a day leave out the rosemary to prevent it from wilting Use them to top your hot chocolate or just as a winter snack

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My favorite part of this recipe is the snowman marshmallows Both kids and grown ups absolutely light up when they see them floating in the mug Last winter my niece declared her snowman too cute to eat and tried to save him all day

Storage Tips

Store leftover hot chocolate in a glass jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat gently on the stove over low heat stirring often Or use a slow cooker on the warm setting for serving at parties Snowman marshmallows can be made in advance and kept at room temperature if you skip the rosemary

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute oat milk for coconut milk but you will lose some richness Almond milk works in a pinch but be sure to choose an unsweetened variety You can swap out the maple syrup with honey or agave if desired For chocolate chips use any dark or even milk chocolate you love Just adjust the sweetness as needed

Serving Suggestions

This is perfect as part of a holiday breakfast spread or as a sweet treat with dessert boards and cookies For adults a splash of dark rum or coffee liqueur is a fun twist Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks little candy canes or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive look

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Cultural Context

Hot chocolate made with coconut milk might not be traditional but it taps into the long global history of cacao drinks Coconut adds tropical creaminess that makes the drink dairy free and rich The snowman marshmallows are a playful North American holiday touch I started making these for family after seeing marshmallow art at winter markets and they are now a yearly tradition

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of coconut milk works best?

Canned full-fat coconut milk provides the richest, creamiest texture and ensures a smooth, velvety drink.

→ Can I use a different sweetener?

Maple syrup adds a lovely flavor, but honey or agave can also be used. Adjust to taste preference.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead?

Yes, you can make the hot chocolate in advance and gently reheat before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator.

→ Are the snowman marshmallows required?

No, they are decorative and optional, but add a festive touch. You can enjoy the hot chocolate on its own.

→ Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stove?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and heat on low, stirring occasionally for even melting.