Description
A cozy, velvety mug of classic hot chocolate crowned with soft, billowy whipped cream. Rich cocoa, real chocolate, and a hint of vanilla come together for a café-worthy treat you can make on the stovetop in minutes.
Ingredients
- Whole milk: 2 cups
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 3 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: 2 ounces
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Fine salt: a small pinch
- Optional garnish: cocoa powder or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Chill the bowl and whisk for the whipped cream for 10 minutes to help it whip quickly.
- Make the cocoa base by whisking the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the milk in a saucepan until a smooth paste forms.
- Whisk in the remaining milk and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, then place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat gently, whisking often, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is steaming. Do not let it boil.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Whip the cream by combining the heavy cream and powdered sugar in the chilled bowl, whisking or mixing to soft peaks.
- Divide the hot chocolate between two warm mugs.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream generously over each mug.
- Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Make it richer: Add an extra 1 ounce of chopped chocolate for an ultra-luxe sip.
- Smoother texture: Keep the heat moderate and whisk continuously to prevent scorching.
- Flavor twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of peppermint extract for a seasonal note.
- Whipped cream tip: Stop at soft peaks to keep the topping cloud-light.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg