Elf Hot Chocolate
Elf Hot Chocolate is a magical, creamy Christmas drink packed with chocolate, peppermint, and festive toppings. It’s quick to make, kid-approved, and perfect for cozy holiday gatherings or movie nights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, but recommended)
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Mini marshmallows (for topping)
- Red and green holiday sprinkles (for topping)
- Crushed candy canes (for topping)
- White chocolate drizzle, melted (optional, for topping)
- Mini chocolate chips or holiday candies (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and heavy cream.
- Set over medium-low heat and warm gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until steamy but not boiling.
- Sprinkle in unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Whisk continuously to dissolve and prevent lumps, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add white chocolate chips and whisk until fully melted and the cocoa is glossy and thick, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness or mintiness as desired.
- Ladle hot chocolate into mugs.
- Top each mug with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Let everyone customize their own mug with additional toppings if desired.
Notes
For dairy-free or vegan, use oat or almond milk and coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate. Adjust peppermint extract to taste—it’s strong! Keep heat low to avoid burning milk or seizing chocolate. Set up a toppings bar for parties. Store leftover hot chocolate (without toppings) in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (with toppings)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Protein: 7
Keywords: elf hot chocolate, Christmas drink, holiday hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, kid-friendly cocoa, festive hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate, Christmas party drink