Hot Chocolate
Warm up with these cozy hot chocolate recipes that are easy to customize, perfect for chilly days and festive occasions.
Ingredients
For the Spiked Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 ounces walnut liqueur
- Whipped Cream
For the Whipped Cream
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons walnut liqueur
- 1/2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
For Homemade Classic
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Drunken Rudolph Fireball
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1.5 ounces Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 ounce Fireball cinnamon whisky
- 6 ounces whole milk
- 1.25 ounces hot cocoa mix
- Squirt whip topping
- Maraschino cherry
- Fresh rosemary twigs
For Hot Chocolate Mix
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar or chips
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional
Instructions
For the Spiked Hot Chocolate
- Heat 2 cups of milk and 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch in a saucepan until warm.
- Whisk in the dark and white chocolate chips until melted.
- Add 2 ounces of walnut liqueur and stir.
- Serve topped with whipped cream made from 1/3 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons walnut liqueur, 1/2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup.
For Homemade Classic
- Combine 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Heat until combined, then whisk in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted.
- Serve with optional toppings like whipped topping, chocolate shavings, miniature marshmallows, or chocolate syrup.
For Drunken Rudolph Fireball
- Blend 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1.5 ounces Bailey’s, 0.5 ounces Fireball, 6 ounces of whole milk, and 1.25 ounces hot cocoa mix in a blender.
- Serve with whipped topping, a maraschino cherry, and fresh rosemary twigs for garnish.
For Hot Chocolate Mix
- Mix 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar, 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container. Use for quick hot chocolate by mixing with hot water or milk.
Notes
These hot chocolate recipes make perfect cozy beverages for any occasion. Pair them with freshly baked cookies or a warm slice of banana bread. Consider offering a toppings bar featuring whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings to invite guests to get creative.