A Luxurious Hot Chocolate Topping Is This Hidden Gem In The Back Of Your Pantry

The temperature drops below zero, and suddenly, all you want is a mug of hot chocolate. There's no room for winter blues when that bittersweet warmth is melting away on the taste buds, decadent yet soothing at the same time. Just when you think it can't get any better, marshmallow fluff comes along and puts a luxurious spin on this familiar comfort drink, reimagining it entirely. In fact, marshmallow fluff might just be one of the hot cocoa toppings that put marshmallow to shame.

Also known as marshmallow crème, this confectionery spread inherits some of the traditional marshmallow's best flavor qualities. Its light, vanilla-y sweetness paves the way for the chocolate's stronger, sharper-edged flavors to strike a memorable first impression. As the two unfold into one another, each sip is gentler and more well-rounded than the last, and yet still gratifying in a way that will remind you of a restaurant-worthy dessert.

Matching those flavors is the creamy, airy texture that makes the topping almost cloud-like as it floats atop your hot chocolate. Picture whipped cream's fluffy texture, only much thicker in consistency, accompanied by the marshmallow's sticky, stretchy nature. Stirred together, the fluff mingles with the hot chocolate's own smoothness, creating utter melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.

Whether your marshmallow fluff is store-bought or homemade, consider putting it into a piping bag to distribute onto the hot chocolate. It's an easy way to neatly circle it around the rim of the mug, ensuring your drink looks as delicious as it tastes. Once done, take the optional extra step of blow-torching the fluff, much like with regular marshmallows. It adds a hint of burnt sweetness that vaguely reminisces of s'mores, and even more so if you sprinkle in crumbles of graham crackers. Alternatively, you can pull out all the stops and top the fluff off with a few pieces of marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder. For those who want something even more extravagant, try folding marshmallow fluff into a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream (or just regular whipped cream). That's how you get the best of both worlds in one go: Fluffy soft cream that's still rich and luscious.

Don't let your creative streak end there. Try this marshmallow fluff twist on all kinds of hot chocolate variations. It can be one where hazelnut is deeply infused into the mix, or a French twist layered with espresso powder. Undoubtedly, marshmallow fluff also pairs quite nicely with the many spices often used to elevate your hot chocolate, such as cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. And if you've got some peanut butter in the pantry, utilize it to give both your hot chocolate a nutty undertone and the marshmallow fluff an extra layer of flavor.