Cozy Creamy Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup milk
• 2 tbsp sugar (For the hot chocolate)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (For the hot chocolate)
• salt (A pinch, for the hot chocolate)
• 85 g 70% dark chocolate (For the hot chocolate; finely chop for faster melting)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (For the whipped cream; use chilled)
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (For the whipped cream; estimated because the source gives no quantity)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla essence (For the whipped cream; estimated because the source gives no quantity)

Steps

1. 1

   Finely chop the dark chocolate and set it aside. Keep the milk, sugar, heavy cream, salt, and whipped-cream ingredients measured and ready.

2. 2

   Pour the milk and the hot-chocolate portion of heavy cream into a small saucepan. Add the sugar and pinch of salt.

3. 3

   Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming and hot but not boiling. Avoid letting the dairy scorch on the bottom of the pan.

4. 4

   Add the chopped dark chocolate to the hot dairy mixture. Whisk continuously until the chocolate melts completely and the drink becomes smooth, glossy, and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed, then keep the hot chocolate warm while preparing the topping.

6. 6

   Pour the chilled whipped-cream portion of heavy cream into a cold bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla essence.

7. 7

   Whip the cream with a hand mixer or whisk until it forms soft-to-medium peaks. Stop as soon as it is fluffy; do not over-whip it into butter.

8. 8

   Divide the hot chocolate between two mugs. Spoon or pipe the vanilla whipped cream over each serving and serve immediately, optionally with a warm buttery croissant.

Notes

The source specifies the chocolate variety but does not provide a quantity. Approximately 85 g is estimated for two servings. Quantities for the whipped cream are also not stated; the amounts provided are practical estimates. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• dessert
• vegetarian
• cozy
• monsoon
• stovetop
• chocolate
• whipped cream