As soon as the cold days of winter hit, I find myself overcome with an intense craving for hot chocolate. Nothing seems to usher in the season quite like a steamy mug with a marshmallow floater. A quick cup of Swiss Miss and a handful of mini marshmallows might satisfy if there are no other options, but I think the holiday season calls for something even more special.

These three homemade hot chocolate recipes are as rich and creamy as they come. Topping them with a homemade marshmallow only seems right — especially if that particular marshmallow pairs perfectly with that hot chocolate. Here are three holiday pairings that are sure to put you in a festive mood.

There might not be anything more fitting for the holidays than marshmallows infused with eggnog and maple syrup. These nutmeg-dusted treats shine so much on their own that they need nothing more than a mug of the most classic, most chocolatey hot chocolate to perch themselves on.

Roasting white chocolate transforms it from something that's usually sweet and uninteresting into something that's full of nutty, butterscotch-like flavor. Buttery, birthday cake-inspired marshmallows round out that nuttiness and add a pop of color to your mug, thanks to their festive sprinkles.

While the chocolate-hazelnut goodness that is Nutella doesn't particularly need much more to deem it wonderful, spiking this hot chocolate with bourbon (if you're of age, of course) makes it extra special. A traditional vanilla marshmallow keeps things balanced.