Creamy Hot Chocolate

Name: Creamy Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 glasses of whole milk; 100 g of dark chocolate; 2 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tbsp of sugar; 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract; 1 pinch of salt; 60 ml of thick crème fraîche; whipped cream; chocolate chips

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This hot chocolate is made with frothed milk and melted dark chocolate. ☕️ The texture is thick. You can add whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Total time: 15 min
Prep: 5 min
Cook: 10 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €1.00

By the CookinBreak team

Ingredients 9

servings

Estimated cost €2.00

Equipment

Saucepan
Whisk
Immersion blender

Instructions

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In a saucepan, pour in the whole milk and heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer, but do not bring it to a boil.

Add the chopped dark chocolate to the hot milk. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Stir in the cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is hot.
In another small bowl, whisk the heavy cream until lightly whipped.
Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs.
Top each mug with a spoonful of whipped cream.
For an extra indulgent touch, add whipped cream and chocolate chips if you like.

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Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

With drinks

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls

35 minEasy

As a main

Roast Christmas Goose

3 h 30Medium

For dessert

Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

1 hEasy

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

300kcal

Protein7 g9%
Carbs25 g32%
Fat20 g58%
Fiber3 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

🌟 For a flavor variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your hot chocolate. These spices add a warm, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with chocolate. You can also experiment by adding a drop of mint extract for a mint hot chocolate version. 🌟

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Not recommended

The milk and cream separate and the texture turns grainy after thawing.

Storage : How long does it keep?

The creamy texture and emulsion break down. The base (without whipped cream/chips) keeps 2 days max in an airtight container in the fridge.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

The hot chocolate base can be prepared ahead. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to keep it from sticking. Microwave possible in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or Espelette pepper for a spiced version.
Replace the whole milk with oat or almond milk.
Add a splash of coffee or almond extract for a different flavor.

Mistakes to avoid

Boiling the milk: it can scorch. Heat it only until it starts to simmer.
Not whisking: the chocolate stays in chunks. Whisk constantly until it is completely melted.
Not chopping the chocolate: it melts poorly. Cut it into small pieces.

Frequently asked questions

Which dark chocolate should I choose for hot chocolate?

A baking dark chocolate, rich in cocoa, gives an intense, velvety drink. Chop it finely so it melts quickly in the hot milk, and whisk nonstop to get a smooth mixture.

How do I make a thicker hot chocolate?

Combine melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder, as in this recipe, and reduce the milk a little. Heat gently while whisking. The mixture thickens naturally, with no flour or cornstarch needed.

Can I make this hot chocolate without cream?

Yes, the cream is optional and used as a topping. Without it, the hot chocolate is still very creamy thanks to the whole milk and the chocolate. You can replace it with whipped cream or leave it plain.

Why add a pinch of salt?

A pinch of salt brings out the chocolate flavor and balances the sugar. It does not make the drink salty, it just makes it rounder and more flavorful. Mix it in with the cocoa, sugar, and vanilla.