If you are craving a festive, cozy drink that feels like a warm hug in a cup, the Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful latte combines rich, freshly brewed coffee with the sweet meltiness of marshmallows and the refreshing bite of peppermint, creating a perfectly balanced winter treat. Whether it’s for a quiet morning at home or sharing with friends during the holidays, this recipe brings magic and cheer with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe is both simple and rewarding. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the coffee’s deep flavor, adding a creamy texture, or layering in that festive peppermint spark.
- 2 cups Nespresso coffee: Freshly brewed to deliver a robust and smooth coffee base that complements the sweet additions.
- 1 teaspoon crushed candy canes: Provides a crunchy peppermint surprise and colorful finish to the latte.
- 2 candy canes: Perfect for stirring and decorating, enhancing the peppermint aroma.
- 1/2 cup half & half cream (10%): Adds creaminess and helps melt the marshmallows evenly.
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows: The star of the latte’s sweet, gooey texture that brings delightful softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Gives a bright, fresh peppermint flavor carrying through the drink.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (35%): For making the luscious whipped topping that crowns the latte.
- 1 tablespoon icing sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream, ensuring it holds its fluff.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (extra): Boosts the peppermint flavor in the whipped cream for a burst of cool sweetness.
How to Make Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Start by brewing 2 cups of your favorite Nespresso coffee. Keeping it hot is essential so that the creamer melts smoothly into the latte and the flavors blend perfectly later on.
Step 2: Heat the Half & Half Cream
Warm the half & half cream over medium heat just until bubbles appear at the edges — this gentle heat helps melt the marshmallows without curdling the cream, ensuring a velvety base.
Step 3: Melt the Mini Marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows to the warm half & half and whisk continuously. This step creates a silky, sweet peppermint creamer that will mix beautifully with your coffee.
Step 4: Add Peppermint Extract
Stir in half a teaspoon of peppermint extract and then remove the creamer from the heat. This timing keeps the peppermint flavor fresh and vibrant, not overpowering.
Step 5: Whip the Heavy Cream
Whip the cold heavy cream until it starts to thicken slightly. This gives the perfect base for the fluffy topping that makes this latte extra special.
Step 6: Sweeten the Whipped Cream
Blend in the icing sugar and an additional half teaspoon of peppermint extract, whipping until the cream reaches your desired light and airy consistency. This whipped cream is the crowning glory of your peppermint marshmallow latte.
Step 7: Combine Creamer and Coffee
Pour the marshmallow peppermint creamer into your hot brewed coffee, stirring gently to combine all those luscious flavors without losing the frothy texture.
Step 8: Top with Peppermint Whipped Cream
Generously dollop or pipe the whipped peppermint cream atop your latte, adding layers of creaminess and cooling sweetness.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes and place a whole candy cane on the side of the cup for stirring—it’s both delightful to look at and to taste!
How to Serve Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe by using colorful crushed candy canes sprinkled on top and a full candy cane hooked on the side. These add festive charm and a little crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth drink.
Side Dishes
Pair with buttery shortbread cookies, ginger snaps, or a slice of peppermint bark for a matching burst of flavors. These side treats balance the latte’s sweetness and turn your coffee break into a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in clear glass mugs so the layers of coffee, marshmallow creamer, and whipped cream are visible—that visual appeal just invites everyone to take a sip. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover marshmallow peppermint creamer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a quick whisk before using again, as it may separate slightly upon sitting.
Freezing
The whipped cream topping doesn’t freeze well as it loses its fluffy texture, so it’s best to prepare that fresh. The creamer can be frozen in a small container, but keep in mind it might separate on thawing and require some stirring.
Reheating
Reheat leftover creamer gently over low heat to avoid curdling or burning, whisking as it warms. Avoid a microwave to keep the texture smooth and prevent hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of Nespresso?
Absolutely! While Nespresso provides a convenient and rich base, any strong brewed coffee or espresso will work wonderfully in this Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe.
Is peppermint extract necessary?
Yes, peppermint extract is key to achieving that crisp, cool flavor that defines this latte. Without it, you’d miss the refreshing peppermint punch.
Can I substitute mini marshmallows with regular-sized ones?
You can, but mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, which helps create that smooth creamer texture. If using regular marshmallows, chop them finely before melting.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap half & half and heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk alternatives, and use dairy-free marshmallows. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and peppermint-filled.
Can I make this latte iced?
Yes, just chill the coffee and creamer before mixing, then serve over ice and top with the whipped cream. Add peppermint garnishes for a refreshing cold twist on the Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe is one of those cozy, feel-good treats that never fails to brighten chilly days. It’s got all the charm of classic holiday flavors in a cup full of warmth, sweetness, and peppermint cheer. I encourage you to whip up a batch, share it with loved ones, and savor every magical sip.
Print
Peppermint Marshmallow Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and cozy Peppermint Marshmallow Latte featuring rich Nespresso coffee combined with a creamy peppermint marshmallow creamer, topped with peppermint-infused whipped cream and garnished with crushed candy canes for a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Coffee Base
- 2 cups Nespresso coffee
- 1 teaspoon crushed candy canes
- 2 candy canes (for garnish)
Marshmallow Creamer
- 1/2 cup half & half cream (10%)
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (35%)
- 1 tablespoon icing sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Brew 2 cups of Nespresso coffee and keep it hot to use as the base for the latte.
- Heat Half & Half: In a small saucepan, heat half & half cream over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges, but do not boil.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows to the warm half & half and whisk continuously until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted marshmallow creamer, then remove the saucepan from heat.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Add icing sugar and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the whipped cream, then continue whipping until the cream reaches your desired consistency.
- Combine Coffee and Creamer: Pour the peppermint marshmallow creamer into the hot brewed coffee and stir gently to combine.
- Top Latte: Spoon the peppermint whipped cream on top of the latte for a light, fluffy finish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the whipped cream and hang a whole candy cane on the rim for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed hot coffee to ensure the marshmallow creamer melts smoothly.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste if a stronger flavor is preferred.
- For a non-dairy version, substitute half & half and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Crushed candy canes work best if crushed finely to avoid large chunks in the drink.
