Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder (special Dark Hershey’s)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 more cup of milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes and Flavorings
- Whipped cream
- Miniature marshmallows (or dehydrated marshmallows)
- Chocolate shavings (using a vegetable peeler, peel a chocolate bar)
- Orange extract (optional, see note)
- Peppermint extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan or pot, whisk together the Dutch process cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Milk and Cream: Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream to the dry mixture, then whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Heat Hot Chocolate: Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring frequently. Bring the hot chocolate to your preferred serving temperature, ensuring it does not boil.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs or cups. Garnish with whipped cream, miniature marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and optionally add a few drops of orange or peppermint extract or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to taste.
Notes
- Use Dutch process cocoa powder for a deeper, less acidic flavor and smoother texture compared to natural cocoa.
- Adjust creaminess by substituting heavy cream with additional milk if preferred.
- Optional extracts like orange or peppermint add a festive twist to your hot chocolate.
- Chocolate shavings can be made by peeling a chocolate bar with a vegetable peeler for a beautiful garnish.
- Heat gently without boiling to avoid scalding the milk and maintain smoothness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
