Description
Magical Christmas Elf Hot Chocolate brings festive cheer in a mug, melting hearts with its whimsical blend of rich chocolate and holiday spirit. Sweet marshmallow topping and peppermint twist create a nostalgic winter treat you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base:
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Sweeteners and Flavors:
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Garnish and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup marshmallows
- 2 tbsp candy cane pieces
- 1 tbsp whipped cream
- 1 pinch edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Create a creamy chocolate base by gently melting dark chocolate in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Whisk cocoa powder into the melted chocolate until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a rich, velvety foundation.
- Gradually pour whole milk and heavy cream into the chocolate mixture, stirring constantly to maintain a silky texture.
- Sprinkle sugar into the liquid, blending thoroughly to ensure complete dissolution and balanced sweetness.
- Add vanilla and peppermint extracts, stirring to distribute the festive flavor profile throughout the hot chocolate.
- Dust ground cinnamon into the mixture, gently stirring to infuse a warm, aromatic undertone.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low temperature, whisking occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer (approximately 5-7 minutes). Avoid boiling.
- Remove from heat and let the hot chocolate rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Pour the decadent hot chocolate into festive mugs, filling about 3/4 full.
- Crown each mug with a generous layer of marshmallows, creating a fluffy white landscape.
- Sprinkle candy cane pieces over the marshmallows for a delightful crunch and minty accent.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream to create a cloud-like topping.
- Optional: Dust with a pinch of edible glitter to give the drink a magical, sparkling finish.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the Christmas Elf Hot Chocolate’s enchanting flavors.
Notes
- Melt chocolate slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture without any lumps.
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for deeper, more complex flavor and richer hot chocolate experience.
- Adjust sweetness by gradually adding sugar and tasting, allowing personal preference to guide the final flavor profile.
- Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free or vegan-friendly version without compromising creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg