Baileys Hot Chocolate with Baileys Toasted Marshmallows

Who doesn’t love Baileys Hot Chocolate? Amp up your hot cocoa with scratch-made Baileys Marshmallows to transform this adult hot chocolate into a decadent treat! Rich, not-too-sweet hot chocolate laced with Baileys Irish Cream liqueur topped with a homemade toasted marshmallow is the perfect holiday treat!

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Homemade Baileys-laced marshmallows are the perfect top for this rich and creamy hot chocolate recipe. They’re easy to make homemade marshmallows, and they’re made from only a few ingredients. It’s more about technique, and once you get the syrup to the right temperature, you just need to whip it all together.

The marshmallows do take some time to set up in the fridge, so make them at least a few hours ahead of time or even 1-2 days in advance.

You can make a batch of hot chocolate, keep it warm in a slow cooker, and let your guests help themselves. Or, serve these dessert-worthy adult hot chocolate drinks at the end of a hearty meal. Toasting the marshmallows with a kitchen torch makes them extra special, but they’re delicious just on their own.

Ingredients

For the Baileys Marshmallows

• Nonstick cooking spray – Spray generously so the marshmallows release easily after setting.
• Gelatin powder – Measure carefully; too much can make the marshmallows rubbery.
• Granulated sugar – Small lumps are fine; they’ll dissolve during cooking.
• Light corn syrup – Helps keep the marshmallows soft and prevents crystallization.
• Baileys Irish liqueur – Use the original flavor for the most classic taste, or experiment with your favorite variety.
• Salt – I cook with kosher salt.
• Icing sugar – Sift if lumpy so it coats the marshmallows evenly.

For the Baileys Hot Chocolate

• Milk chocolate – Use a good-quality chocolate bar and chop it yourself for the smoothest melt.
• Cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder works best for balanced chocolate flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adjust slightly to taste depending on the sweetness of your chocolate.
• Heavy whipping cream – Half-and-half is a good substitute if you’d like a lighter drink.
• Whole milk – Whole milk gives the richest texture; lower-fat milk won’t be quite as creamy.
• Baileys Irish cream – Use the original flavor or your favorite variety; add it after heating to preserve its flavor.

How to Make Baileys Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallows

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Start by spraying a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper and spray the parchment as well. Use plenty of spray, as marshmallows are very sticky.

Add 1/4 cup water and the gelatin to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Let it stand for about 10 minutes so the gelatin can bloom.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining water, sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches 240°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 8 minutes.

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the hot syrup.

Once all of the syrup has been added, increase the speed to high and whip until the mixture is white, fluffy, and forms stiff peaks, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Spread the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until set.

Turn the marshmallow slab out onto a work surface generously dusted with icing sugar.

Cut into 8 to 10 squares and coat each piece liberally with icing sugar to prevent sticking.

To prepare the hot chocolate, add the heavy cream and milk to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until almost simmering.

Stir in the chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar, mixing until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Adjust the sweetness to taste, then add the Baileys Irish cream and stir well.

To serve, pour 4 to 6 ounces of hot chocolate into a mug and top with a marshmallow.

Toast the marshmallow with a kitchen torch until lightly golden.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use high-quality milk chocolate for the hot cocoa. Semisweet or dark chocolate will also work, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar.
• I use original Baileys Irish Cream, but you can use Baileys Amond, Salted Caramel, or even S’Mores flavor.
• Make the marshmallows at least 2 hours in advance or up to 1-2 days before
• To make these kid-friendly, omit the Baileys from the hot chocolate. You can also make the marshmallows without Baileys.

What to Pair With Baileys Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallows

I love serving this adult hot chocolate after a hearty meal of homemade Bolognese sauce over pasta or Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. It’s also fabulous when friends cover over, and then I’ll put out a tray of cookies, because hot chocolate and cookies are a classic combination!