Get into the cozy warmth and luxurious comfort of a timeless favorite with our hot chocolate recipe. When the chill of winter sets in or when you simply crave a soothing embrace in a cup, nothing quite compares to the rich, velvety decadence of homemade hot chocolate. In this delectable journey, we’ll guide you through crafting a steaming mug of pure bliss, where high-quality cocoa meets the creaminess of milk and the sweet touch of sugar. Whether topped with a cloud of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a handful of mini marshmallows, our recipe promises to deliver the perfect sip of chocolatey heaven, inviting you to savor each delightful moment.
The best hot chocolate recipe
Hot chocolate, also known as cocoa or hot cocoa, is a popular and comforting beverage made from cocoa powder or chocolate pieces, milk (or water), and sugar. It's typically served hot and is known for its rich and chocolatey flavor. Hot chocolate is often enjoyed as a warming treat during cold weather, especially in the winter months. It's commonly garnished with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added indulgence. While it shares similarities with hot cocoa, which is often made with cocoa powder, hot chocolate is often associated with the use of real chocolate melted into the milk, making it thicker and more decadent. It's a beloved beverage enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk (you can also use a milk alternative like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together.
- Gradually add about 1/4 cup of the milk while continuing to whisk. This will create a smooth paste.
- Once the paste is smooth, gradually whisk in the rest of the milk.
- If you're using chopped chocolate for extra richness, add it to the milk mixture and continue to whisk until it's fully melted and the hot chocolate is smooth.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring frequently. Be careful not to let it boil; you want it hot but not scalding.
- Once the hot chocolate is hot and the chocolate (if used) is fully melted, remove it from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade hot chocolate!This recipe yields two servings, so you can share the warmth and comfort with someone special or keep an extra cup for yourself. Adjust the sweetness and toppings to your liking, and feel free to get creative with variations like adding a dash of cinnamon or a splash of flavored syrup for different twists on classic hot chocolate.
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Notes
One important thing to note when making hot chocolate is to heat it gently and avoid boiling. Boiling can scorch the milk and change the texture and flavor of the hot chocolate. Aim to heat the mixture just until it's hot and steamy, but not boiling. Stirring frequently while heating will help ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. If you're adding real chocolate pieces to the mixture, be patient and allow them to melt slowly over low to medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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