Description
Tini’s Hot Chocolate is a rich and indulgent beverage made with a creamy blend of whole milk, heavy cream, and bittersweet chocolate. Topped with a fluffy peppermint whipped cream, this comforting drink offers a perfect balance of chocolatey warmth and refreshing mint flavor, ideal for cozy evenings or festive occasions.
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 is not simmering yet.
- Incorporate cocoa powder: Sift 3 tablespoons cocoa powder into the milk and cream mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Add sugar: Stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar until it dissolves completely into the mixture.
- Melt bittersweet chocolate: Add 2 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in two increments, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and continue heating the mixture for another 2 minutes. Then remove from heat and set aside.
- Make peppermint whipped cream: In a medium bowl, whisk or beat ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract until soft or stiff peaks form depending on your preference.
- Assemble and serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top generously with the peppermint whipped cream, and optionally garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candies. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use either Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa powder according to your taste preference.
- Whip the cream to soft peaks for a creamy topping that melts quickly into the hot chocolate or stiff peaks if you want a firmer, pipeable texture.
- Bittersweet chocolate at 70% cocoa or higher ensures a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
- Optional toppings such as chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint add an extra festive touch.
- Be careful not to let the milk and cream mixture simmer to avoid scorching.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
