Description
Tini’s Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy beverage made with whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and bittersweet chocolate, topped with a refreshing peppermint whipped cream. Perfect for cozying up on a cold day, this indulgent hot chocolate combines smooth chocolate flavors with a hint of mint for a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate
- 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
Peppermint Whipped Cream
- ½ cup heavy cream 120mL
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Heat Milk and Cream: Add 1½ cups whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream to a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until steam begins to come off the top, but it's not yet simmering.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Sift in 3 tablespoons cocoa powder into the milk and cream and whisk until incorporated.
- Add Sugar: Add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Melt Bittersweet Chocolate: Add 2 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in two parts, stirring after each addition until melted.
- Stir in Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and continue to heat for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside while preparing whipped cream.
- Prepare Peppermint Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, add ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, then whisk or beat with a hand mixer until soft or stiff peaks form depending on desired texture.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with the peppermint whipped cream. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candy before serving.
Notes
- Can be made with either unsweetened or Dutch-process cocoa powder depending on preference.
- For a smoother whipped cream texture that melts quickly, whip to soft peaks; for decorative piping, whip to stiff peaks.
- Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for richest flavor.
- Optional toppings like chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint enhance presentation and flavor.
- Make sure not to boil the milk mixture to avoid scorching or curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
