Hot Chocolate Recipe

Heat milk and cream

In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine 4 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Warm gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges (do not boil), about 5–7 minutes.

Mix cocoa and sugar

While the milk warms, whisk together 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small bowl. This helps prevent cocoa clumps when added to the milk.

Bloom cocoa

Add the cocoa-sugar mixture to about 1/4 cup of the warmed milk to form a smooth paste, stirring until fully dissolved and lump-free.

Combine chocolate

Reduce heat to low. Add the 8 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate to the saucepan along with the cocoa paste. Stir continuously with a heatproof spatula or whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, about 2–3 minutes.

Finish and flavor

Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, adding up to 1 additional tablespoon sugar. Keep the mixture on low heat until hot but not boiling, about 1–2 minutes more.

Serve

Remove from heat. If you prefer an extra-silky texture, strain the hot chocolate through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs to remove any un-melted bits. Ladle into 4 mugs (about 1 cup each).

Add whipped cream and marshmallows

Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a handful of mini marshmallows, if desired.

Spice and chocolate finish

Sprinkle each mug with a light dusting of ground cinnamon (about 1/8 teaspoon per cup) and finish with 1/2 tablespoon chocolate shavings per mug for extra decadence.

Cinnamon stir

If using cinnamon sticks, serve one stick per mug as a stirrer for a subtle spiced aroma.

Peppermint variation

For a peppermint hot chocolate, stir 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the finished hot chocolate and omit the cinnamon garnish. Taste and add a few drops more if a stronger peppermint flavor is desired.