This Christmas Hot Chocolate is a cozy treat full of rich chocolate flavor, perfect for warming you up on chilly days. Topped with fluffy marshmallows or whipped cream, it’s a sweet joy!
Every sip reminds me of holiday cheer, and I can’t resist making a big batch to share with family. Pair it with cookies, and you’ve got the perfect festive snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This is essential for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with 2% milk or almond milk. I love using oat milk for a slightly sweet flavor!
Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream makes the hot chocolate extra rich. If you want a lower fat option, you could use half-and-half or coconut cream for a non-dairy version.
Semisweet Chocolate: Using high-quality chocolate enhances flavor. You can swap this for milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your taste. Chocolate chips work well if you’re short on time.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This gives a deep chocolate taste. If you only have sweetened cocoa mix, reduce the sugar in the recipe to balance it out.
Mini Peppermint Candies: These add a festive touch! If you prefer a different flavor, try crushed cookies like Oreos or even cinnamon sticks for stirring.
How Do I Make the Smoothest Hot Chocolate?
Creating a perfectly smooth hot chocolate comes down to a few key techniques. First, don’t rush the melding of ingredients. Gradually warming everything in a saucepan allows the flavors to blend well.
- Always whisk the milk and cream mixture as you heat it to avoid scalding or curdling.
- Once you’ve added the chocolate, make sure to stir until it’s fully melted and integrated; this ensures a creamy consistency.
- Removing the pot from heat before adding vanilla helps keep its flavor bright.
Top your creation properly with whipped cream and marshmallows for that delightful holiday look! Enjoy every warming sip!
Christmas Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Large marshmallows
- Mini peppermint candies (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delightful Christmas Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a few extra minutes for gathering your toppings. Perfect for a quick holiday treat that warms you up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Base:
Start by pouring the whole milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together over medium heat until the mixture becomes warm, but be careful not to let it boil—just warm is perfect!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Now, add the chopped semisweet chocolate into the warm milk mixture. Keep stirring continuously until all the chocolate is melted and your mixture is nice and smooth. This will make your hot chocolate nice and rich!
3. Final Touches:
Once everything is melted and combined, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and flavor!
4. Serve It Up:
Pour the hot chocolate into festive mugs. Top each mug generously with fluffy whipped cream, then add some large marshmallows on top. Don’t forget the fun part—garnish with mini peppermint candies and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for that extra holiday magic!
5. Enjoy!
Serve your delightful Christmas Hot Chocolate immediately, letting it drizzle lovingly over the mugs. Perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with loved ones. Cheers to a warm and merry holiday season!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary slightly depending on the type of milk you use.
How Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate, feel free to increase the granulated sugar by one tablespoon or add a splash of flavored syrup (like vanilla or caramel) to enhance the sweetness!
How Do I Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for consistency.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make a big batch ahead of time! Prepare the hot chocolate, then cool it down before refrigerating. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving, and add a little extra milk if it thickens up too much.