Sep 01 2026
Restaurants›Cricket & Fig Chocolate›Hot Chocolate Recipe

Hot Chocolate Recipe

Inspired by Cricket & Fig Chocolate
Time15m
Serves4

Make Hot Chocolate Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Hot Chocolate Base

Optional Flavorings & Garnishes

Method

Hot Chocolate Base

  1. 1

    Warm the milks

    Pour 4 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream into a 2‑ to 3‑quart saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and warm gently until steam rises and small bubbles form around the edges (do not boil), about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

  2. 2

    Combine dry cocoa and sugar

    While the milk warms, whisk together 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 4 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small bowl. This helps prevent clumping when added to the milk.

  3. 3

    Incorporate cocoa mixture

    Add the cocoa-sugar mixture to the warm milk in a steady stream while whisking constantly to fully dissolve the powder. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and uniform, about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Add chopped chocolate

    Reduce heat to low and add 3 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate to the pan. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the hot chocolate is glossy, about 2–3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Finish flavoring

    Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 pinch fine sea salt. If using, add 1 tablespoon espresso or strong brewed coffee and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon now and stir to combine. Keep the mixture on low heat just until warmed through; avoid simmering.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust

    Taste the hot chocolate and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity if desired: add up to 1 tablespoon more sugar for sweetness or an additional 1 ounce chopped chocolate for richness, stirring until incorporated.

Serve & Garnish

  1. 7

    Ladle and garnish

    Ladle the hot chocolate into four warmed mugs (about 1 cup each). Top each serving with about 2 tablespoons whipped cream or a handful of marshmallows. Sprinkle a little chocolate shavings or 1 teaspoon cocoa powder over the top and add a mini peppermint stick if desired.

  2. 8

    Serve immediately

    Serve the hot chocolate immediately while hot. If it cools and thickens, rewarm gently over low heat, whisking to restore a smooth texture.

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