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Indulge in the cozy comforts of winter with a steaming cup of velvety hot cocoa. When the chilly winds beckon, and you yearn for a sweet escape, this hot cocoa recipe will be your ultimate companion. With just a handful of pantry staples, a dash of cocoa magic, and a sprinkle of marshmallow delight, you can transform ordinary milk into a delightful elixir of warmth and happiness.
Homemade hot cocoa mix
The holidays are and always will be family time, and what can be more indulging than a glass of hot cocoa with your favorite people on a cold day? A glass of homemade hot cocoa is something that’s very easy to make and most likely, you already have all the ingredients needed!
When you make homemade coco from scratch, then you are in control of the amount of sugar added to the drink - which is very important especially during the holidays when we are all guilty of eating far more than usual!
How to make hot chocolate
Making hot coco is a simple and delightful process. Begin by heating two cups of your preferred milk in a small pot until it's almost boiling, ensuring you keep a close eye on it to prevent sticking. In a separate bowl, combine two tablespoons of cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and two to three tablespoons of sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Once the milk is hot, pour it over the dry ingredients and whisk vigorously until they blend into a velvety, chocolatey mixture. Finally, pour the hot coco into your favorite mugs, top with mini marshmallows, and voilà – you have a warm, comforting cup of hot coco ready to savor. It's the perfect way to chase away the chill and indulge in a moment of cozy bliss.
Tips to make your hot cocoa even more delightful
Use Quality Cocoa Powder
Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for a richer and more intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder tends to be smoother and less acidic.
Mix Dry Ingredients Well
Ensure you mix the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt thoroughly in a separate bowl before adding the hot milk. This prevents lumps and ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Heat Milk Gently
Heat the milk on medium-low heat to avoid scalding or burning. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
Use Real Vanilla Extract
If possible, use pure vanilla extract instead of artificial flavoring. It adds a more authentic and aromatic touch to your hot coco.
Whisk Vigorously
When mixing the hot milk with the dry ingredients, whisk vigorously to create a smooth and frothy texture. This helps incorporate all the flavors and gives your hot coco a nice, airy consistency.
Add a Dash of Spice
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a tiny splash of peppermint extract for a unique twist.
Accompany with Treats
Pair your hot coco with cookies, biscotti, or a slice of cake for a delightful snack. Another option is to use the hot cocoa mix for making hot chocolate bombs.
Share the Joy
Hot coco is perfect for sharing. Make a larger batch and invite friends or family over for a cozy gathering.
FAQS
Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It has a lighter and sweeter flavor. Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is made with melted chocolate and milk, resulting in a richer, thicker beverage.
While you can use water, using milk (or a milk substitute) is generally preferred as it gives hot cocoa a creamier and more indulgent texture and flavor.
Mix the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt together in a separate bowl first to ensure they're well combined. Then, gradually pour in the hot milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Yes, you can make a batch of hot cocoa in advance and reheat it when you're ready to enjoy it. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Common garnishes include mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Get creative and use whatever you like to make it visually appealing and tasty.
Yes, you can make unsweetened hot cocoa or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol if you prefer a sugar-free option.
Hot cocoa is a family-friendly drink that both kids and adults can enjoy. You can adjust the sweetness level to suit children's tastes, and they can have fun with toppings like marshmallows.
Other drink recipes to try:
Make this hot cocoa today!
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a journey to hot coco perfection. The recipe is simple, the results are heavenly, and all that's left to do is sit back, relax, and let the soothing sips of cocoa embrace your senses. It's time to savor the season, one sip at a time.
Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (any type you prefer)
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoon sugar add less or more depend on your flavor
For garnish:
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a small pot, add the milk and vanilla extract. Cook on high until almost boiling – watch the pot boil as it happens quickly and you don’t want the liquid sticking to the pot.
- In a small bowl, mix cocoa, sugar, and salt
- Pour the hot milk on the dry ingredients and whisk well.
- Pour into the glasses.
- Garnish with mini marshmallows.
- Sit back, relax, and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa!
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