Sep 04 2026
Restaurants›Telluride Coffee Shop | The Coffee Cowboy General Store›Hot Cocoa Recipe

Hot Cocoa Recipe

Inspired by Telluride Coffee Shop | The Coffee Cowboy General Store
Time15m
Serves4

Make Hot Cocoa 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 Cocoa Base

Optional Garnishes & Variations

Method

Hot Cocoa Base

  1. 1

    Prepare dry paste

    In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar until evenly combined to remove lumps.

  2. 2

    Heat milk

    Pour 4 cups whole milk into a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat until it begins to steam and small bubbles form at the edge (do not boil), about 3–5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

  3. 3

    Combine cocoa mixture

    Reduce heat to low. Add the cocoa-sugar mixture to the warm milk in a thin stream, whisking constantly to fully incorporate and prevent clumps.

  4. 4

    Melt chocolate

    Coarsely chop the bittersweet or semisweet chocolate and add to the pan. Continue whisking until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Season and finish

    Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of fine salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding up to 1 additional tablespoon sugar, whisking to dissolve.

  6. 6

    Serve

    Ladle the hot cocoa into 4 mugs (about 1 cup each).

Optional Garnishes & Variations

  1. 7

    Classic finish

    Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a handful of mini marshmallows. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top if desired.

  2. 8

    Peppermint cocoa

    For a peppermint version, stir 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the finished cocoa, then top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane or a peppermint stick.

  3. 9

    Mocha variation

    To make mocha hot cocoa, add one shot of hot brewed espresso to each mug before pouring in the cocoa and stir to combine.

  4. 10

    Salted chocolate

    Finish with a small pinch of flaked sea salt on top of whipped cream to highlight the chocolate flavor.

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