There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day!
Just think about it…warm blankets, cozy slippers, your favorite movie playing in the background, and a cup of decadent hot chocolate in your hands.
Pretty great, right? We think so!
There is one thing, however, that makes the experience even better. And that’s making your hot chocolate from scratch.
Keep reading to discover a few of our favorite hot chocolate recipes that are delicious, easy to make, and will keep you cozy and warm this winter.
Traditional Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe
If you enjoy a tasty mug of old-fashioned hot chocolate, this recipe is for you!
This particular recipe is made using cocoa powder for a rich chocolate taste, milk, and cream to give it a thick and creamy texture.
Give it a try!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
Directions:
#1 Combine the cocoa, sugar, and pinch of salt in a saucepan.
#2 Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir.
#3 Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn’t scorch.
#4 Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil!
#5 Remove from heat and add vanilla.
#6 Divide among 4 mugs.
#7 Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.
Recipe Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/20211/creamy-hot-cocoa/
White Chocolate Hot Chocolate Recipe
For those of you that don’t care for traditional dark or milk chocolate, this recipe might be right up your alley.
This recipe uses milk, white chocolate chips, and vanilla that all come together to make this delectable drink.
Here’s how it’s made…
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of milk of your choice (or you can substitute heavy cream or half and half, or do a mixture)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 8 oz. white chocolate, chopped into small pieces (or white chocolate chips)
- whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
Directions:
#1 Stir together milk, vanilla, and chopped white chocolate in a medium saucepan.
#2 Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the white hot chocolate comes to a simmer. (Do not let it come to a boil.)
#3 Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
Recipe Source: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/homemade-white-hot-chocolate/
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Last, but certainly not least, is a classic peppermint hot chocolate recipe for the holiday season.
This recipe uses heavy cream, chocolate chunks, and peppermint oil to give it a special kick of holiday flavor.
Try this recipe out!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 drops peppermint oil
- Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions:
#1 In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and salt and heat over medium-low heat.
#2 When the cream mixture just begins to steam, add the chopped chocolate, and stir, until melted.
#3 Stir in the peppermint oil.
#4 Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Recipe Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peppermint-hot-chocolate-recipe.html
