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hot cocoa recipe Thick Cocoa With Whipped Cream Peaks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This easy hot cocoa recipe creates a rich, velvety beverage with deep chocolate flavor and a creamy texture. It is a family-friendly treat made with simple pantry ingredients, perfect for a cozy moment or movie night.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.125 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips/bar, chopped (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Warm Milk: In a 1.5-quart saucepan over medium heat, gently warm the whole milk until it is steaming and small bubbles form at the edges, but do not let it boil vigorously. You will see a light shimmer on the surface.
- Combine Dry: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly. This step is key for a smooth hot cocoa recipe.
- Whisk In: Gradually add the dry chocolate mixture to the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored. (If it looks a bit lumpy, take it off the heat for a moment and whisk vigorously before returning.)
- Simmer & Thicken: Continue to cook the hot cocoa recipe, whisking gently, until it slightly thickens to your desired consistency, coating the back of a spoon. Avoid a rolling boil; maintain a gentle simmer. For an extra thick hot cocoa, add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp cold milk) during this step.
- Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If using optional dark chocolate, stir it in now until completely melted and smooth.
- Serve Warm: Pour the rich, thick hot cocoa into your favorite mugs. Top generously with homemade whipped cream to create those iconic Thick Cocoa With Whipped Cream Peaks, or add a sprinkle of extra cocoa for simple elegance.
Notes
For extra thickness, add a cornstarch slurry during simmering. A single serving can be made by warming milk in a microwave-safe mug. Whisk dry ingredients well with sugar to prevent lumps; no need to sift cocoa. A gentle simmer is better than a hard boil to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and avoid burning the milk. Plant-based milk like almond or oat can be used for a dairy-free option, and sugar content can be adjusted to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Hot Beverage
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (240 ml)
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 47 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg