Description
Tini’s Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy beverage featuring a decadent blend of whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and bittersweet chocolate, topped with a refreshing peppermint whipped cream. Perfect for cozying up on a cold day or indulging in a luxurious treat, this hot chocolate is elevated with vanilla bean paste and can be garnished with chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy for an extra festive touch.
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 rise but the mixture does not simmer.
- Incorporate Cocoa Powder: Sift 3 tablespoons cocoa powder into the milk and cream mixture and whisk thoroughly until completely combined.
- Add Sugar: Stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar until fully dissolved into the chocolate mixture.
- Melt Bittersweet Chocolate: Gradually add 2 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in two parts, stirring continuously after each addition until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and continue heating the hot chocolate for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Peppermint Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, whisk ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract until soft peaks or stiff peaks form, depending on desired texture.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top generously with the peppermint whipped cream. Optionally garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candy before serving.
Notes
- You can use either Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa powder based on your preference.
- For a richer whipped cream topping, whip to stiff peaks for piping effect; for a lighter topping, whip to soft peaks.
- Chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy can be added as garnish to enhance presentation and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
