Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa, perfectly crafted with high-quality dark chocolate and a blend of milk and cream for a luxurious winter beverage. This homemade recipe brings warmth and depth of flavor with a smooth, velvety texture that satisfies any chocolate lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate and Cocoa
- 1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Sweeteners and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat the Milk and Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm the mixture until it just begins to steam, taking care not to bring it to a boil.
- Add Cocoa Powder, Sugar, and Salt: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until all ingredients are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Melt the Dark Chocolate: Add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan and continue whisking until the chocolate has completely melted and the cocoa mixture becomes creamy and cohesive.
- Finish with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor depth.
- Serve Warm: Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and serve immediately. Optionally, top with whipped cream or shaved chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream.
- Adjust sweetness according to taste, especially if using very dark chocolate with higher cacao content.
- Do not boil the milk mixture to prevent scorching or separation.
- Garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor variety.
