A recipe for warm chocolate that is traditional and brings a sense of comfort. It fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma and does wonders for the spirit. So in winter, curl up with a warm mug of hot chocolate and a good book. This version of hot chocolate is unbelievably decadent, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying to make.
How to Make Hot Chocolate
You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let’s go over the basics
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa
- Dash salt
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Miniature marshmallows, sweetened whipped cream or cinnamon sticks
Directions
In a saucepan, add sugar, cocoa, and salt. Pour in the water, then bring to a boil. Cook for two minutes while stirring constantly. Mix the milk, then bring it to the appropriate temperature for serving (do not boil). Take the pan off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until foamy. If you choose, you can top it with cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, or marshmallows.
Hot Chocolate Tips
How can you make hot chocolate your own?
You may make a Swiss mocha from your piping hot chocolate by adding two to two and a half teaspoons of instant coffee and vanilla. Then, add a half teaspoon of imitation maple flavoring with the vanilla extract for a uniquely Canadian taste. For a twist on traditional Mexican hot chocolate, kick things by stirring in a half teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper. Finally, you may make peppermint hot chocolate by stirring in a few drops of peppermint extract or using a candy cane or peppermint stick to stir the cocoa.
What toppings can you put on hot chocolate?
You may jazz up your hot chocolate by adding a dollop of whipped cream that has been mildly sweetened, or you can load it up with marshmallows. You might also sprinkle some grated chocolate or chocolate shavings over the top or perhaps some warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
How do you reheat hot chocolate?
Although a microwave might do the job in a pinch, the best way to reheat hot chocolate is always on the stove. In a saucepan, melt the hot chocolate by heating it over low to medium heat and stirring it occasionally until it is lovely and toasty.
Does Hot Chocolate Have Caffeine?
Because chocolate contains trace amounts of caffeine, drinking hot chocolate will also provide you with some stimulant. Nonetheless, it has a significantly lower amount of caffeine than beverages like coffee, soda, and many types of tea. It is highly unlikely that drinking hot chocolate will keep you awake at night unless you are really sensitive to caffeine.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate
This rich and velvety hot chocolate is worthy of being sipped on its own. You can take it to the next level by topping it with classic ingredients like marshmallows, whipped cream made from scratch, or chocolate sauce drizzled on top. Add a candy cane to the top of each mug of hot chocolate to give it a festive touch and a hint of delicate mint flavor. A shot of Irish cream, amaretto, or peppermint vodka can be something that adults enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 211 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
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