Opens in a new tab

Viral Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow Fluff

by Jessie Daye

First published: October 24, 2026 | Updated: October 24, 2026
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Hot cocoa cup with marshmallow and chocolate shavings.

With over 87 million views and 2.1 million likes on Instagram it’s safe to say people like this decadent hot chocolate topped with a cloud of homemade marshmallow fluff piped around the rim and toasted until golden. As you sip, the fluffy marshmallow melts into the rich hot cocoa for the perfect winter treat.

Close-up of a mixer blending cocoa and marshmallow fluff in a copper mixer.
Handheld mug filled with hot cocoa and marshmallow fluff topping.
Hot cocoa cup with marshmallow and chocolate shavings.
Hot cocoa with marshmallow and chocolate shavings in a marshmallow cup.

Viral Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow Fluff

Author: Jessie Daye
Hot cocoa cup with marshmallow and chocolate shavings.
No ratings yet
Share
Print
Prep 30 minutes
Total 30 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Course Desserts
Cuisine American

Ingredients

Homemade Marshmallow Fluff
  • 2 large egg whites room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 100 g
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup 60 ml
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 ml
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
Hot Cocoa
  • 4 cups whole milk 960 ml
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder about 25 g
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar 50 g
  • ½ cup semisweet chocolate finely chopped (85 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract 1.25 ml
For Serving
  • Whipped cream optional
  • ½ cup chocolate shavings
  • 4 Graham crackers halves optional
  • 4 sturdy paper cups or heat-safe mugs

Method

  1. Make the marshmallow fluff. Fill a small saucepan with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or another heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, corn syrup, and salt.
  3. Set the bowl over the simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk constantly for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) and the sugar has completely dissolved.
  4. Transfer the bowl to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture is thick, glossy, and marshmallow-like. Beat in the vanilla.
  5. Transfer the marshmallow fluff to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip or to a large zip-top bag with one corner snipped.
  6. Make the hot cocoa. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium-low heat until smooth and steaming.
  7. Add the chopped chocolate and vanilla. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the cocoa is smooth. Remove from the heat.
  8. Decorate the cups. Pipe a generous ring of marshmallow fluff around the rim of each empty cup or mug. For ceramic mugs, pipe some of the fluff just over the outside edge so it has more surface area to grip. Sturdy paper cups naturally hold the fluff more easily.
  9. Using a kitchen torch, carefully toast the marshmallow fluff until golden brown.
  10. Slowly pour the hot cocoa into each cup, taking care not to disturb the toasted marshmallow rim.
  11. Finish with chopped chocolate or chocolate shavings and serve immediately.
Styling Notes
  1. Pipe the marshmallow fluff generously so it creates a dramatic cloud around the rim, then toast until deeply golden in spots.
  2. Serve the cups together on a platter and let a little of the marshmallow fluff drip naturally down the sides for an extra-cozy look.
Get Creative
  1. Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for a richer cocoa.
  2. Add a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday version.
  3. Finish with crushed candy canes, chocolate curls, graham cracker crumbs, or a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Leave the first comment

Recipe Rating




This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Hi, I'm Jessie. 

Mama to three girls and a lifelong creative who loves making everyday moments feel a little more special. Here, I share whimsical recipes, holiday inspiration, and creative projects designed to bring a little more joy to your day. I hope to inspire you to get creative, celebrate the little things, and make something beautiful. Welcome!

More about Jessie

Let’s be friends!

Be the first to receive exclusive content and hear about my upcoming BOOK!

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Most Loved Recipes

Hot cocoa cup with marshmallow and chocolate shavings.

Viral Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow Fluff

Creamy whipped ricotta and goat cheese with berry compote and pistachios.

Whipped Ricotta and Goat Cheese Fall Appetizer

Colorful monster-themed brigadeiro candies for Halloween celebration.

Halloween Monster Brigadeiros

Chocolate skull cake with detailed skull designs on top for Halloween.

The Best Yellow Cake and Chocolate Frosting

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread