Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice; almond or oat milk work well for a dairy-free option)
- 4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (use good quality chocolate for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipped cream topping)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for sweetening whipped cream)
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of almond extract for a flavor twist
Substitution tips: If you don’t have heavy cream for the topping, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free whipped topping. For chocolate, if you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate, use milk chocolate but balance the sweetness by reducing sugar slightly.
Instructions
- Start by gently heating the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully and stir occasionally so it doesn’t scald—this step reminds me of watching Nonna Rosa’s careful hands as she prepared sauces, always attentive and patient.
- Once the milk is warm (just before simmering), whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until completely dissolved. This ensures no lumps and a smooth base.
- Add the finely chopped chocolate to the warm milk mixture. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is silky and rich. The aroma at this point always brings me back to those afternoons in Italy when I wandered through chocolate shops, mesmerized by the craftsmanship.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and cinnamon or almond extract if using). Give it a final whisk to blend all the flavors perfectly.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug, leaving room for the whipped cream topping.
- To make the whipped cream, pour the heavy cream into a chilled bowl. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until firm peaks form. This is the part Olivia loves to help with—her tiny hands trying to keep up with the whisk always make me smile.
- Top each cup of hot chocolate generously with the whipped cream. For a little extra charm, sprinkle with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate.
- Serve immediately and savor every warm, creamy sip!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
