Hot Chocolate Recipe
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 Toppings & Add-ins
Method
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1
Heat the dairy
Combine the whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and warm until steam rises and small bubbles form around the edge (do not boil), about 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- 2
Make cocoa slurry
While the milk warms, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar in a small bowl to break up lumps. Add 2 tablespoons of the warm milk from the pan to the cocoa-sugar and whisk into a smooth paste.
- 3
Incorporate chocolate
Return the cocoa paste to the saucepan and whisk until fully incorporated. Add the semisweet chocolate (chopped or in chips) and continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- 4
Optional Toppings & Add-ins
- 5
Portion hot chocolate into 4 mugs (approximately 1 cup each). Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a small handful of mini marshmallows, sprinkle with cinnamon and/or chocolate shavings. If using cayenne, either add to the base as directed or sprinkle a tiny pinch on top for a spicy accent.