Description
A cozy and indulgent winter drink featuring a rich chocolate base topped with light, fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for chilly evenings and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or 2% or oat milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup (25 g) good-quality cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark or Dutch-processed)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold and full-fat
- 2 tbsp (15 g) powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat the milk and cocoa: Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of milk into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder and ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract. Heat until steaming but not boiling, watching for tiny bubbles around the edges.
- Whip the cream: While the milk is warming, whip 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream with 2 tbsp (15 g) powdered sugar in a chilled mixing bowl using a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form.
- Pour and layer: Pour the hot chocolate base into a heatproof mug, leaving about an inch at the top. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream generously on top.
- Add your favorite toppings (optional): Sprinkle mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint, cinnamon, or drizzle caramel sauce on top.
- Serve and enjoy immediately: Sip slowly to enjoy the creamy, chocolatey goodness as the whipped cream melts into the hot chocolate.
Notes
Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl for best whipped cream results. Heat milk low and slow to avoid scorching. Customize with toppings like marshmallows, peppermint, or caramel. Leftover hot chocolate base can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently. Whipped cream keeps 24 hours refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 12 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 6
Keywords: hot chocolate, whipped cream, winter drink, cozy beverage, chocolate drink, easy hot chocolate, whipped hot chocolate