Spiced Hot Chocolate Whipped Topping (Printable View)
Velvety hot chocolate flavored with spices and crowned with a light whipped cream topping.
# Ingredient List:
→ Hot Chocolate Base
01 - 2 cups whole milk (substitute plant-based milk for dairy-free)
02 - 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
03 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
07 - 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
08 - Pinch of salt
09 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ Whipped Topping
10 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 1 tbsp powdered sugar
12 - 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - Ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings
# How to Make It:
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 melts and mixture is smooth and steaming, approximately 5 to 7 minutes without boiling.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - While hot chocolate heats, whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.
05 - Pour hot chocolate into mugs.
06 - Top each mug generously with whipped cream.
07 - Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings on top.
08 - Serve without delay to enjoy optimal flavor and temperature.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The spices transform ordinary hot chocolate into something that feels like a small luxury, not just a drink.
- It comes together faster than you'd expect, making it perfect for those moments when you need comfort without fuss.
- The whipped cream topping adds a cloud of softness that melts into every sip, turning simple into something special.
02 -
- Do not let the mixture boil; once you see steam, you're done—boiling breaks down the chocolate flavor and can make the texture grainy.
- Whip the cream in a genuinely cold bowl; it whips faster and holds its shape longer, making the whole experience more forgiving.
- Taste as you go—everyone's idea of spice intensity is different, so add cayenne carefully if you're using it.
03 -
- Keep your cream in the coldest part of your refrigerator for at least an hour before whipping—cold cream whips faster and holds peaks longer, making the whole process smoother.
- Chop your chocolate into small, even pieces rather than using chips; it melts more uniformly and incorporates into the milk without any stubborn chunks hiding at the bottom of the mug.