You can never go wrong with hot drink recipes during the cold winter months. I like to offer slow cooker apple cider, warm Kinderpunsch or this decadent Christmas hot chocolate. Christmas is the time for all things decadent, and nothing says decadence more than a steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate. This Christmas hot chocolate is so good, you’ll find yourself making it all winter long, and it’s a huge hit with kids.
Christmas Hot Chocolate Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and vanilla extract. You can also garnish the drink with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and Christmas sprinkles.
How Do You Make Christmas Hot Chocolate?
Place the milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a pot or saucepan over medium low heat. Let the mixture come to a simmer, but do not boil it. Cook for a few minutes, whisking occasionally, until everything is well combined. Stir in the milk and semisweet chocolate. Cook, whisking continuously, until all the chocolate has melted into the drink. Add the vanilla extract, then cook for one minute. Pour into mugs, then serve with toppings of your choice.
Tips For The Perfect Drink
I prefer to use whole milk for the creamiest results. You can use other types of milk, but the hot chocolate may be thinner and less creamy. Cocoa powder can sometimes be clumpy, so I sift it before I add it to the milk so it is easier to get a smooth mixture. Choose a high quality brand of chocolate chips for the best results. I like to use Guittard or Ghirardelli. You can also use chopped dark chocolate baking bars instead of chips. Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat any extra Christmas hot chocolate on the stove or in the microwave. If you need to keep your drink warm for an extended period of time, such as during a party, you can leave it on the very lowest heat setting on the stove, or transfer it to a crock pot and use the keep warm function. Make a double batch if you’re serving a large crowd! Pair your hot cocoa with Christmas sugar cookies or peppermint bark cookies for an extra special treat.
Flavor Variations
While this drink is delicious as-is, you can customize some of the ingredients to suit your tastes.
Milk: For an richer drink, use half and half instead of whole milk. You can also add a splash of heavy cream if you like extra creamy hot chocolate. Chocolate: Instead of using milk chocolate, try white chocolate chips instead. Toppings: Get creative with the toppings! You can garnish with peppermint sticks, crushed candy canes, or even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flavorings: Feel free to stir in spices like a little cinnamon or nutmeg, or add peppermint extract for added flavor. You can also make a spiked hot chocolate for adults by adding 4 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream, bourbon or peppermint liqueur.
Everyone will be so excited to wake up on Christmas day and indulge in this delicious Christmas hot chocolate!
