Description
This rich and creamy Espresso Hot Chocolate blends the deep flavors of freshly brewed espresso with smooth, melted chocolate for a luxurious, cozy drink perfect for chilly days or a special treat. With a velvety texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee bitterness, it’s a delightful twist on classic hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy Mixture
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Chocolate & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Coffee
- 1/4 cup freshly brewed espresso (or 1 to 2 shots)
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream or marshmallows
- Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions
- Heat dairy mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat until just steaming but not boiling to prevent scalding.
- Add cocoa and sugar: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Melt chocolate chips: Add semisweet or dark chocolate chips to the mixture and stir continuously until fully melted and the texture is smooth and glossy.
- Add flavorings and espresso: Stir in the vanilla extract and freshly brewed espresso, mixing until combined and heated through.
- Final heating: Continue heating for another 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the drink is hot and flavors well blended without boiling.
- Serve: Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top optionally with whipped cream or marshmallows and garnish with shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra indulgent finish.
- Enjoy immediately: Serve the espresso hot chocolate right away to enjoy its creamy texture and balanced flavors at their best.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness or espresso intensity according to personal taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
- This recipe easily doubles or triples for serving larger groups.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
