Description
Tini’s Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy beverage made with whole milk, heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate, and topped with a festive peppermint whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy holiday treat or any time you need a chocolatey hug in a mug.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole milk (360mL)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120mL)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (28g), Dutch-processed or unsweetened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (42g)
- 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- ½ cup heavy cream (120mL) – for whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted – for whipped cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract – for whipped cream
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract – for whipped cream
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add 1½ cups whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream. Heat until steaming but not simmering.
- Sift in 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate in two parts, stirring until melted after each addition.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract. Continue heating for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Whisk or beat until soft or stiff peaks form, depending on preference.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with the peppermint whipped cream. Optionally garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candy.
Notes
- Use soft whipped cream peaks for a quick melt-in effect, or stiff peaks for a decorative topping that melts slowly.
- Crushed peppermint, sprinkles, or chocolate curls make fun and festive toppings.
- For an even richer drink, substitute some milk with more heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
