The Perfect Hot Chocolate

This is the perfect hot chocolate. There, I said it.

It is rich, creamy, and delicious, and will put you in a cozy, wintry state of mind.

First day back at work after the holiday? Yeah, I feel that pain. May I suggest clinging to the holiday season with some decadent hot chocolate?

Even though a good portion of the country has been unseasonably warm lately, it’s finally in the 30s in Western Pennsylvania (where our families live). In addition to avoiding the return to reality, this little bit of chilly weather is as good an excuse as any for enjoying this easy, perfect hot chocolate.

I’d highly recommend that you snuggle up under some blankets with a cuddly dog or two and sip away on this hot chocolate!

You should also check out these Hot Chocolate No Bake Cookies while you’re at it.

5 from 1 vote

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The Perfect Hot Chocolate

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 large mugs

Author: Lauren Pacek

Ingredients

For the hot chocolate

• 3 cups milk of choice, see notes
• 2-3 oz. dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 2 tbs cocoa powder
• 2 tbs granulated sugar
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Optional toppings

• whipped cream
• mini marshmallows
• cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. In a medium sauce pan, heat the milk over medium heat until bubbles just begin to appear around the edges.

2. Add the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk occasionally until everything is melted and combined.

3. Add the cup of mini marshmallows and whisk until they melt into the hot cocoa.

4. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, more marshmallows, and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

• I've used 2% and almond milk. Both worked very well.
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