Description
This European Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich and velvety drink made with whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and high-quality dark chocolate. Enhanced with a touch of cocoa and cornstarch for body, it’s thick and indulgent, perfect for cozy moments. Served topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it delivers an authentic European café experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For European-style Hot Chocolate
- 1 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder (such as Dutch-process cocoa powder)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 3 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), shavings
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
For Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or more, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm the milk and cream: Pour the milk and heavy cream into a saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Slowly warm the milk until it is hot but not boiling.
- Sift dry ingredients: While the milk warms, sift the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and cornstarch through a sieve into a small bowl to remove lumps.
- Incorporate cocoa mixture: When the milk is hot, whisk in the cocoa mixture. Continue heating and whisking constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken, being careful not to overcook or it will become too thick.
- Add chopped chocolate: Stir in the chopped dark chocolate and whisk until melted and the hot chocolate reaches your desired consistency. Taste and add extra powdered sugar if needed. Remove from heat and pour into two mugs.
- Make the whipped cream: Chill the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before starting. Pour the chilled heavy cream into the bowl and whisk at high speed until soft peaks form.
- Sweeten whipped cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whisk until soft peaks form. Keep whipped cream refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Serve: Top each mug of hot chocolate with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- The cornstarch adds thickness and a creamy body to the hot chocolate but is optional if you prefer a thinner drink.
- Adjust powdered sugar amounts for sweetness according to your taste preferences.
- Chilling the bowl and whisk ahead ensures the whipped cream will whip up fluffy and stable.
- This recipe yields two servings, ideal for sharing on a cold day.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best flavor and richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 mug)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
