Spiced Hot Chocolate Delight (Printable)
Velvety hot chocolate infused with warming spices and topped with fluffy whipped cream.
# What You'll Need:
→ Hot Chocolate Base
01 - 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
02 - 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
03 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
08 - Pinch of salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Whipped Topping
10 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
12 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - Ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings
# Directions:
01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper if using, and salt.
02 - Whisk continuously until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth and steaming, approximately 5 to 7 minutes without boiling.
03 - Remove from heat and stir in pure vanilla extract.
04 - In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form.
05 - Pour the hot chocolate into serving mugs.
06 - Top each mug generously with prepared whipped cream.
07 - Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings if desired and serve immediately.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- It's ready in 15 minutes flat, yet tastes like you've been planning it all day.
- The spices transform basic hot chocolate into something that feels almost luxurious without any fancy ingredients.
- Whipped cream on top means you get that textural contrast with every sip, plus an excuse to use your hand mixer.
02 -
- Do not boil the milk or the texture becomes grainy and wrong—medium heat is your friend, and patience matters more than speed.
- Whip your cream cold, not room temperature; a warm bowl defeats the purpose and you'll end up with barely thickened milk instead of clouds.
03 -
- Make the whipped cream while the chocolate heats so everything's ready at the same time—rushing to whip cream while your drink gets cold is a small tragedy I've experienced.
- Use a whisk instead of a hand mixer if you want a quieter morning, or if you're making this for a partner who's still sleeping.