Whipped Hot Chocolate Recipe

Nothing is more quintessential to the holidays than a good hot chocolate recipe. This hot chocolate recipe has two types of chocolate and is then topped with whipped cream. It’s perfectly decadent, fun, and cozy.

I’m super lazy when it comes to my hot chocolate – typically a packet of powder will do. However, this year I ventured out of my cocoa comfort zone (thanks, Covid!) and Meg and I created this insanely delicious hot chocolate recipe. We were partly inspired by our whipped coffee, since we wanted a thick and creamy drink for cold nights.

This hot chocolate is everything hot chocolate should be: creamy, chocolatey, thick, and topped with whipped chocolate cream. It’s perfect for cold nights in front of the fire.

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The easy assembly…

You just need a few basics for this recipe. We use:

• whole milk
• whipped cream
• hot chocolate mix (powdered)
• dark chocolate chips
• vanilla bean paste
• pinch of salt

Meg and I have been on a vanilla bean paste kick, ever since we purchased ours at Trader Joes!! It’s got a lovely texture and it really lends a subtle hint of vanilla to the hot chocolate. Here’s a similar vanilla bean paste. Though I haven’t used that particular paste, I do save that brand’s vanilla for my fancier recipes, especially when I want to highlight the exceptional vanilla flavor.

First, we mix the whipping cream, vanilla bean, salt, and hot cocoa mix. With a handheld mixer, whip until soft peaks are formed.

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Next, grab your chocolate chips. We use dark chocolate, because Meg and I prefer the slightly bitter flavor of dark chocolate. You can also use bittersweet chocolate, if you prefer. Or if you’re super lazy (which we are) we sometimes use chocolate syrup.

Put the chocolate chips in a microwaveable bowl. Set it for 1 minute, but give it a stir every 30 seconds so that they don’t burn.

While you’re working on melting the chocolate, you’ll want to multi-task and heat the milk. We used a pot and a stove. Easy peasy – just don’t let the milk burn, though I love it when there’s a skin on it.

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Next, gently spoon the chocolate into the bottom of your glass. This will be the first layer. Next, pour the heated milk over the chocolate layer.

Last, top with chocolate whipped cream! Stir, and then enjoy.

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Done!

A few easy notes on our Hot Chocolate Recipe…

• What’s vanilla paste?! Vanilla paste has more of a maple syrup consistency, and is loaded with real vanilla flecks. It’s made out of the remnants of a vanilla pod and vanilla extract. If you can’t find vanilla paste, then use regular vanilla extract. You can substitute one teaspoon of paste for one teaspoon liquid extract. More information on the different types of vanilla is here!
• Bittersweet vs. Semi-sweet are both forms of dark chocolate and both have 70% content cocoa. According to this article, they’re also pretty interchangeable. Don’t stress if you have one of these. If you have milk or semi-sweet chocolate, your drink will be much sweeter.
• We gathered inspiration for this drink from our whipped coffee! Check out that post, here!
• Also, if you made extra whipped topping and need something to use it for – top it on coffee!! It’s so good on top of hot coffee. It’s like a hot, whipped, chocolate latte!

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