The Best Hot Chocolate
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This Hot Chocolate is the ultimate comfort drink, featuring a perfect mix of whole milk, heavy cream, and velvety dark chocolate for a warm, soothing experience in every sip.
Easy And Delicious Hot Chocolate
Oh, doesn’t this Hot Chocolate recipe just scream cozy comfort? It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want to do is wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy something warm and chocolatey. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity, yet it doesn’t skimp on richness and flavor.
You’ve got the classic combination of whole milk and heavy cream creating a luxurious base. Then, the dark chocolate – oh, the dark chocolate! It’s not just any chocolate; we’re talking about 8 ounces of the good stuff, chopped up and ready to melt into this velvety drink. This isn’t your ordinary, everyday hot cocoa; this is a decadent treat.
- Whole Milk: The base of our hot chocolate, providing a rich and creamy texture. If you need a substitute, try using almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Heavy Cream: This adds extra richness and a luxurious feel to the hot chocolate. A great alternative is coconut cream, which gives a similar creaminess with a hint of coconut flavor, ideal if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Dark Chocolate: The star of the show, this brings the deep, intense chocolate flavor. You can swap it with milk chocolate for a sweeter, milder taste, or even semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a balance between bitter and sweet.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the drink to perfection.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a hint of aromatic warmth and depth. No vanilla extract? No problem! You can leave it out, or use a dash of almond extract for a different yet delightful flavor profile.
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream and chocolate shavings are the cherries on top. Feel free to get creative here – a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few marshmallows, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can be delightful alternatives.
Start by gently heating the whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan until it simmers – be careful not to let it boil. Next, whisk in the chopped dark chocolate until it’s completely melted and blends into a smooth, velvety mixture.
Then, stir in the granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract, ensuring the sugar dissolves and everything is well incorporated. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and let it cook for a few more minutes, whisking frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Once done, take the saucepan off the heat and let the hot chocolate cool slightly. Finally, pour it into your favorite mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or any other topping of your choice, for an extra touch of indulgence.
Expert Tips
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer your hot chocolate will taste. Opt for a high-quality dark chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips, as bars usually have a higher cocoa butter content, making for a smoother melt and a more luxurious drink.
- Gently Heat the Milk: Avoid boiling the milk and cream. Boiling can cause the dairy to scald or form a skin on the top. Gentle heating preserves the smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your liking. Everyone’s sweetness preference is different, so feel free to add more or less sugar based on your taste. Start with less, as you can always add more if needed.
- Spice It Up: Consider adding a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg while heating the milk for an extra layer of flavor. These spices can bring a warming and aromatic quality to your hot chocolate.
- Serve Immediately: Hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to reheat it, do it over low heat while stirring constantly to prevent the chocolate from separating.
Storage
If you have leftover hot chocolate, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Discover More Delicious Drinks
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Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (chopped)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- whipped cream
- chocolate shavings
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Add the chopped chocolate to the pot and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the hot chocolate is thick and creamy.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the hot chocolate cool for a few minutes.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Equipment
Notes
- Chocolate Choice: Use a high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Milk Alternatives: Almond, soy, or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Add more or less sugar according to your taste preference.
- Gentle Heating: Heat milk and cream on medium heat to avoid scalding.
- Spice It Up: Add a cinnamon stick or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Storing Leftovers: Store cooled hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat on the stove.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an indulgent experience.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
