
I first discovered this incredible s'mores hot chocolate recipe during a winter camping trip that got rained out. Instead of roasting marshmallows over a campfire, we ended up in a cozy cabin kitchen, and I decided to recreate the s'mores experience in liquid form. The secret is using high-quality dark chocolate and real vanilla extract - it makes all the difference in creating that rich, complex flavor. When you heat the milk and cream together, then slowly whisk in the chopped chocolate, you create this velvety smooth base that's absolutely divine. The moment you add those toasted marshmallows on top and drizzle the chocolate syrup, it transforms from a simple hot drink into something truly magical. Every sip delivers layers of flavor - the bitter-sweet chocolate, the vanilla warmth, and those pockets of gooey marshmallow that melt into the drink. It's like drinking childhood memories.
Why I love this recipe
What I absolutely love about this s'mores hot chocolate is how it captures every element of the classic campfire treat in one perfect mug. The ritual of making it is almost as enjoyable as drinking it - from melting the chocolate to torching those marshmallows until they're golden and slightly charred. It's incredibly versatile too; you can make it as rich or light as you prefer by adjusting the cream ratio. The visual appeal is stunning - those layers in the clear mug, the artistic drizzle of chocolate, and the mountain of perfectly toasted marshmallows create an Instagram-worthy presentation every time. But beyond the aesthetics, it's the comfort factor that really gets me. This drink has the power to turn any ordinary evening into something special. Whether I'm making it for guests who gasp when they see it, or just treating myself after a long day, it never fails to bring joy and warmth.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Dark chocolate: Chop into small pieces for easy melting
- Heavy cream: Use at room temperature for smoother incorporation
- Mini marshmallows: Toast until golden for authentic s'mores flavor
- Graham crackers: Crush into coarse crumbs for texture
- Whole milk: Heat gently to avoid curdling
- Whipped cream: Use fresh or homemade for best results
Let's Make These Together
- Heat the milk base
- Combine milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until the mixture is steaming but not boiling. This creates the perfect temperature for melting chocolate without scorching.
- Create chocolate mixture
- Slowly whisk in chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar until completely smooth. The key is to add ingredients gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Toast marshmallows perfectly
- Use a kitchen torch to toast mini marshmallows until they're golden brown with slightly charred edges. This adds the authentic campfire flavor that makes this drink special.
- Assemble the masterpiece
- Pour the hot chocolate into clear glass mugs, add whipped cream, arrange toasted marshmallows on top, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and finish with crushed graham crackers for the complete s'mores experience.

Switch Things Up
I'll never forget the first time I made this recipe on a particularly cold February evening. My kitchen smelled like a chocolate factory, and when I torched those marshmallows on top, they got that perfect golden color just like in the photo. My kids came running from upstairs asking what smelled so amazing. We ended up having an impromptu living room picnic, sipping our s'mores hot chocolate while watching movies. Now it's become our go-to weekend treat. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate when I'm feeling adventurous. The best part is watching everyone's face light up when they see those perfectly toasted marshmallows on top.
Perfect Pairings
This s'mores hot chocolate pairs beautifully with homemade chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon sugar donuts, or classic sugar cookies. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside chocolate brownies or fudgy s'mores bars. If you want to balance the sweetness, try pairing it with lightly salted pretzels or buttery shortbread cookies. For adults, a splash of marshmallow vodka or Bailey's Irish Cream takes this drink to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this without a kitchen torch?
Yes! You can toast the marshmallows under your oven's broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can use a gas stove burner with tongs to toast them individually.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
High-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content provides the best flavor balance. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but the flavor won't be as rich and complex.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with coconut milk or oat milk, use dairy-free chocolate, and replace the whipped cream with coconut whipped cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- → How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Make sure your milk mixture isn't too hot when adding chocolate, and whisk constantly. If it does seize, try whisking in a tablespoon of hot milk to smooth it out.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
The hot chocolate base can be made ahead and gently reheated, but the toppings should be added fresh just before serving to maintain their texture and visual appeal.
Conclusion
This s'mores hot chocolate brings all the magic of campfire treats indoors. The combination of rich chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers creates the perfect comfort drink. It's ideal for cold evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you need a little extra warmth and sweetness. The presentation alone will impress anyone, making it perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself to something extraordinary.