Description

This classic hot chocolate recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink perfect for warming up on a cold day. Made with whole milk, heavy cream, and dark chocolate, it offers a velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor enhanced by a touch of vanilla and balanced sweetness. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s a delightful treat for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Milk Base

4 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream

Chocolate and Sweetening

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Toppings

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream (for topping)
Chocolate shavings (for topping)

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Instructions

Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. This gentle heating prevents scalding and creates a smooth base for your hot chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate: Add the chopped dark chocolate to the pot and whisk until completely melted and smooth, allowing the heat from the milk to create a silky texture.
Add Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla: Whisk in the granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves. These ingredients enhance the chocolate flavor and balance sweetness.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the hot chocolate is thick and creamy, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Cool Slightly: Remove the pot from heat and let the hot chocolate cool for a few minutes to make it safe to sip and let flavors settle.
Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and a smoother texture.
Adjust sugar amount to taste depending on your preferred sweetness.
Heavy cream adds richness, but you can reduce it slightly for a lighter version.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk and cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk.
Whisk frequently while simmering to prevent the chocolate from scorching at the bottom.