Method

Hot Milk Chocolate Base

Warm milk and cream

In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Warm over medium-low heat until small bubbles begin to form at the edges (do not boil), stirring occasionally — about 5–7 minutes.

Add sugar and butter

Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, and a pinch of fine sea salt to the warm milk. Stir until the sugar and butter dissolve, about 30–45 seconds.

Melt chocolate

Lower the heat to low. Add 8 oz chopped milk chocolate to the saucepan in three additions, stirring constantly until fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 3–4 minutes. If needed, remove from heat briefly to prevent scorching and continue stirring until smooth.

Finish and keep warm

Once smooth, taste and adjust sweetness if desired (add up to 1 tsp more sugar). Keep the milk chocolate warm on the lowest heat while you prepare the Bueno topping — do not let it simmer.

Bueno Topping & Garnish

Prepare Bueno pieces

Unwrap 3 Kinder Bueno bars. Reserve 1 bar for garnish: split it lengthwise into halves for decorative placement. Chop the remaining 2 bars into small 1/4–1/2-inch pieces (including wafer and filling). Set aside.

Make hazelnut swirl

In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm 2 tablespoons hazelnut chocolate spread for 10–15 seconds until slightly loosened (do not overheat). Stir to smooth. This will be used as a swirl in the mugs and to intensify hazelnut flavor.

Assemble drinks

Divide the warm milk chocolate evenly between 4 mugs (about 1 cup each). For each mug: place about 1 teaspoon of the warmed hazelnut spread at the bottom or swirl it into the top of the drink using a spoon. Stir gently so some hazelnut streaks remain visible.

Add Bueno pieces and whipped cream

Sprinkle the chopped Bueno pieces evenly on top of each mug (about 1 tablespoon per mug). If using, top each drink with a generous dollop of whipped cream (about 2 tablespoons each).

Garnish

Place half of a reserved Bueno bar standing on the whipped cream or resting on the rim of each mug (one half per mug). Drizzle 1 tablespoon milk chocolate shavings/drizzle across the tops divided among mugs and sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted chopped hazelnuts evenly (about 1/2 tablespoon per mug).

Serve

Serve immediately while hot. Encourage stirring to distribute the chopped Bueno and hazelnut spread through the drink as it is consumed.

Milk Chocolate With Bueno Recipe