Description
Tini’s Hot Chocolate is a decadent and creamy beverage made with whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and bittersweet chocolate, topped with a refreshing peppermint whipped cream. Perfect for cozying up on a cold day or impressing guests with a gourmet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate
- 1½ cups whole milk (360mL)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120mL)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (28g, Dutch-processed or unsweetened)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (42g)
- 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (chopped, at least 70% cocoa)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
Peppermint Whipped Cream
- ½ cup heavy cream (120mL)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Heat Milk and Cream: Add 1½ cups whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream to a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until steam begins to rise but the mixture does not simmer.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Sift 3 tablespoons cocoa powder into the milk and cream, then whisk thoroughly until the cocoa is fully incorporated.
- Sweeten Mixture: Add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves completely into the liquid.
- Melt Chocolate: Add 2 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in two parts, stirring after each addition until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Flavor and Heat: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and continue heating for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Peppermint Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, add ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Whisk or beat with a hand mixer until soft or stiff peaks form, depending on desired texture.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top with peppermint whipped cream, and optionally garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candy before serving.
Notes
- Use either unsweetened or Dutch-process cocoa powder based on preference.
- For softer whipped cream that melts quickly, whip to soft peaks; for a more stable topping, whip to stiff peaks.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if a less sweet chocolate is preferred.
- Can substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract if unavailable.
- Chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint add festive decoration and extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
