Our Favorite Hot Chocolate

3.0

(1)

It's rich, comforting, and easy to make.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Servings:

2

This easy hot chocolate recipe is so much better than any mix. It’s a decadent drink that warms and soothes. All you need is whole milk, heavy cream, light brown sugar, cocoa powder, and semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for a comforting drink on a cold night. Using cocoa powder gives an intense chocolate flavor, and the additional chopped chocolate makes it even more delicious and rich. Don't skip the pinch of salt—it really enhances the chocolate—and finish the drink with a dollop of whipped cream. It's the luscious topping that takes this cozy beverage over the top.

If you want a sweeter hot chocolate, swap out the whipped cream topping for marshmallows.

Directions

Heat milk, chocolate, sugar, and cocoa:

In a saucepan, combine milk, chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Heat over medium, whisking frequently, until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Cover to keep warm.
Whisk cream; pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with cream:

Whisk cream to soft peaks in a bowl. Divide hot chocolate between two mugs, dollop each with whipped cream, and serve immediately.

Variation: Spicy Hot Chocolate

To make spicy hot chocolate, use the recipe above but whisk 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract into the milk mixture before heating. Serve each mug with a cinnamon stick for stirring (and aroma).