In chilly weather, when you find comfort in hot chocolate with an island of marshmallow floating on top, you’re really enjoying two foods that have boosted the body and spirit for thousands of years.
The first-ever chocolate drink was made by the Olmecs of Mesoamerica 4,000 years ago – a gritty mixture of pulverized cacao beans with vanilla, chili pepper and other spices. Their decedents, the Maya and Aztecs, revered the cacao bean as a gift from the gods. So valuable was the cacao, the Aztecs used it as currency: drinking chocolate was akin to drinking gold!
While the Mesoamericans were enjoying chocolate drink, ancient Egyptians were cooking up something now considered the Queen of Frivolous Food: marshmallows. The first marshmallows were made by boiling pieces of the marshmallow root pulp with sugar until it thickened. After it had thickened, the mixture was strained and cooled.
When it comes to hot chocolate add-ins, nothing beats traditional marshmallows. The lightness and creaminess created by melting marshmallows into hot cocoa to balance the thickness and richness of the chocolate perfectly. Not to mention, everyone loves using hot chocolate as an excuse to eat marshmallows straight out of the bag. But don't be basic! Try a few new things to put in hot chocolate that you might not have tried before!
1. Nutella
We know Nutella fans can’t get enough of the spread. Add a touch of Nutella to your hot cocoa as it heats. If you want to go a little further, add a splash of Frangelico to your cup!
2. Pumpkin Spice
No reason to limit pumpkin spice to just your latte. Stir a bit of leftover canned pumpkin into your mug along with pumpkin pie spice.
3. Coffee
You can easily amp up a hot chocolate by adding in coffee or espresso. Adding in a packet of hot chocolate can be an easy way to make a homemade mocha.
4. Peppermint
The cool, bright flavor of peppermint pairs perfectly with the thick, rich flavor of chocolate. So, it's no wonder why peppermint has always been a popular hot chocolate add-in. You can add peppermint flavor to your cocoa in a variety of ways. A dash of peppermint extract, a dollop of peppermint cream, or a sprinkling of crushed candy canes on top can all add that bright, minty quality that's synonymous with the holidays. And, of course, you can always use a peppermint stick to garnish and stir your hot chocolate.
5. Chili powder
Typically made with bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a touch of chili powder, Mexican hot chocolate is known and loved for its rich flavor and spiciness. Those who want their cocoa extra spicy can add a pinch of cayenne pepper as well.
6. Biscoff Cookie Spread
Get your hot cocoa and cookie fix all in one cup. Whisk in Biscoff creamy cookie spread until smooth. Pour into mugs; top with sweetened whipped cream and a Biscoff cookie.
7. Maple
Warm and cozy just met its match. Try maple hot chocolate alongside your favorite Saturday morning pancakes and syrup.
8. White Chocolate
If you’re a white chocolate fan, skip the cocoa in your go-to hot chocoalte recipe. Instead use white baking chips and a splash of vanilla extract. Bonus points if you coat the rim in more chocolate and pretty sprinkles!
9. Chai
Combine one favorite cozy drink with another. Steep a bag of chai tea in your hot chocolate for added spice and flavor. Top with a little extra cinnamon for more of a kick! Here’s how you can make this chai-chocolate recipe from scratch.
10. Spice
An easy way to add extra flavor to any cup of cocoa—be it out of the box or homemade—is to add a touch of your favorite spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg or even cayenne can all be welcome warming additions.
