Description
Magical “christmas elf hot chocolate” blends rich chocolate with festive cheer, whisking winter warmth into each delightful sip. Holiday spirit dances through creamy layers, inviting you to savor seasonal comfort in a mug of pure Christmas joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate Base:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Elf-Themed Toppings:
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles
- 1 candy cane (crushed)
- 2 marshmallow snowmen
Festive Garnish:
- 1 dollop whipped cream
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 small chocolate elf decoration
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar until smooth and fully incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, warming the mixture gradually while stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
- When the hot chocolate reaches a gentle simmer (around 160°F), remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
- Carefully pour the hot chocolate into a festive mug, leaving enough space for luxurious toppings.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a decorative swirl across the hot chocolate’s surface.
- Sprinkle crushed candy cane and red and green festive sprinkles over the white chocolate drizzle for a playful, colorful effect.
- Gently place marshmallow snowmen on top of the hot chocolate, allowing them to partially melt and create a whimsical appearance.
- Crown the beverage with a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating a soft, cloud-like peak.
- Dust the whipped cream with a delicate pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish.
- Complete the presentation by perching a small chocolate elf decoration on the mug’s rim, transforming the hot chocolate into a magical Christmas treat.
Notes
- Ensure milk and cream are at room temperature to prevent curdling and create a smoother texture.
- Whisk cocoa powder thoroughly to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for a richer, more luxurious melting experience.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing sugar to suit personal taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk alternatives.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts like peppermint or almond to create unique variations.
- Cool slightly before adding marshmallows to prevent immediate melting and maintain their shape.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to precisely monitor the hot chocolate’s temperature for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg