Creamy Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Recipe with Marshmallow Hearts
A rich and velvety red velvet hot chocolate with a creamy tang from cream cheese, topped with marshmallow hearts. Perfect for cozy winter evenings and festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (60 g)
- 1/4 cup sugar (50 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or marshmallow hearts
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk and cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk together cocoa powder and sugar in a small bowl to break up lumps.
- Gradually whisk the cocoa and sugar mixture into the hot milk mixture, stirring constantly until fully dissolved, about 2 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese in small dollops and whisk vigorously until fully melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and red food coloring. Adjust color intensity to your liking.
- Keep heat low and let the hot chocolate simmer gently for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour into heatproof mugs and top generously with mini marshmallows or marshmallow hearts. Let them melt slightly before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for smoothest texture. Gel food coloring is preferred to avoid thinning the drink. If hot chocolate thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk before serving. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent curdling. For a smoky sweetness, toast marshmallow hearts with a kitchen torch before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: red velvet hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, marshmallow hearts, winter drink, cozy beverage, festive hot chocolate