Description
Rich and decadent Christmas Eve Hot Chocolate, made with chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate, simmered to perfection and topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Chocolate shavings, for topping
- Marshmallows, for topping
- Candy canes, crushed, for topping
Instructions
- Combine Milk and Cream: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream.
- Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until a gentle simmer is reached (small bubbles form around the edges). Do not boil.
- Add Chocolate: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped unsweetened chocolate.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate base is smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Whisk Again: Continue whisking until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the hot chocolate is smooth.
- Add Cayenne (Optional): Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
- Reduce Heat: Reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer Gently: Let the hot chocolate simmer gently for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking.
- Pour into Mugs: Carefully pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Generously top each mug with whipped cream.
- Add Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream.
- Marshmallows, Please!: Add a handful of marshmallows to each mug.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the hot chocolate immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk and heavy cream. You can substitute 2% milk if preferred.
- Finely chop the unsweetened chocolate for even melting.
- Simmering the hot chocolate deepens the flavors.
- Adjust sweetness and spices to your preference.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream. Use vegan chocolate chips and ensure your toppings are also vegan-friendly.
- Add a Shot of Espresso: For a mocha-inspired twist, add a shot of espresso to each mug of hot chocolate.
- Peppermint Extract: If you don’t have candy canes, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the hot chocolate for a similar flavor.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: Add other spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
- Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate: You can also make this hot chocolate in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes