Hug Me Hottie Recipe
Thick, rich, and oh-so-satisfying, this housemade hot chocolate comes with a cheeky twist—infused with the flavors of almond and topped with our signature amaretto whipped cream.
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Ingredients
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Hot Chocolate Base
Amaretto Whipped Cream (Signature Topping)
Garnish
Method
Hot Chocolate Base
Warm the dairy
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Warm over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edge and steam rises, about 5–7 minutes. Do not boil.
Blend cocoa and sugar
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of the warm milk mixture to form a smooth paste. This prevents lumps.
Finish flavors
Off the heat, stir in 1 teaspoon pure almond extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or almond strength as desired (add up to 1/2 teaspoon more almond extract very sparingly). Keep warm on the lowest heat setting, stirring occasionally.
Serve
Ladle the hot chocolate into warmed mugs, filling each about 3/4 full to leave room for whipped cream.
Amaretto Whipped Cream (Signature Topping)
Chill equipment
For best results, chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping. Ensure the 1 cup cold heavy cream is straight from the refrigerator.
Whip cream
In the chilled bowl, combine 1 cup cold heavy cream and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Begin whipping on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 1–2 minutes).
Add amaretto
With the mixer running on low, add 1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur and 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional). Continue whipping to medium-firm peaks, being careful not to overwhip. Taste and add a bit more powdered sugar if desired for sweetness.
Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag or spoon into a bowl and keep chilled until ready to top the hot chocolate.
Garnish & Finish
Top each mug of hot chocolate with a generous swirl of the amaretto whipped cream.
Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons dark chocolate shavings divided among servings. Dust lightly with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon if desired.
Serve immediately while hot. If making ahead, keep the hot chocolate warm and whip cream just before serving for best texture.