Description
This Dark Hot Cocoa recipe offers a rich, indulgent chocolate experience made with black cocoa powder and dark chocolate. Finished with a fun sprinkle-rimmed glass, it’s a perfect cozy treat for cold days that balances deep chocolate flavors with creamy milk and a touch of vanilla.
Ingredients
Scale
Sprinkle Rim
- 2 ounces (57 grams) dark chocolate (chips or chopped)
- Sprinkles (for coating the glass rim)
Dark Hot Cocoa
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (38 grams) black cocoa powder
- Pinch salt
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water
- 2 1/2–3 cups (590–710 milliliters) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Sprinkle Rim: Place the dark chocolate in a shallow, wide bowl and heat it in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each increment until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the Glasses: Pour the sprinkles into another shallow, wide bowl or a rimmed plate. Dip the top edge of each heat-safe glass into the melted dark chocolate, then immediately coat the rim with sprinkles. Set aside to let the chocolate set while you prepare the hot cocoa.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, black cocoa powder, pinch of salt, and water until well combined.
- Simmer Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently until all the cocoa powder has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Milk and Heat: Slowly whisk in the milk (between 2 1/2 and 3 cups depending on desired richness) and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the hot cocoa is heated through but not boiling.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Immediately pour the hot cocoa into the sprinkle-rimmed glasses and serve warm.
Notes
- Use heat-safe glasses to prevent cracking when pouring hot liquid.
- Adjust the amount of milk for a creamier or lighter hot cocoa.
- Microwave heating times may vary; stir chocolate carefully to prevent burning.
- Black cocoa powder has an intense chocolate flavor and is darker than regular cocoa powder.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dark Hot Cocoa, Hot Chocolate, Black Cocoa Powder, Winter Drink, Chocolate Drink, Cozy Beverage
