Maple Hot Chocolate
This is the kind of hot chocolate that works for so many moods and moments. You can make it as a treat on a chilly afternoon, serve it to friends for an easy dessert, or enjoy it as a weekend morning pick-me-up while still in your pajamas.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heatproof mug
- Ladle (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or any milk of your choice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional, for extra creaminess
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ounces dark chocolate chopped (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
Step 1: Warm the base
- Add the milk (and heavy cream, if using) to a small saucepan.
- Set over medium–low heat and warm until you see gentle steam and tiny bubbles around the edges (about 3–5 minutes).
- Do not let it boil.
- Pro Tip: Stir occasionally and keep the heat moderate—scalded milk can taste flat.
Step 2: Make a smooth cocoa slurry
- Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of the warm milk from the pot into a small bowl.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder to form a smooth, glossy paste with no dry pockets.
- Pour the cocoa paste back into the saucepan while whisking.
- Pro Tip: Whisk continuously as you add the paste—this keeps the hot chocolate silky and lump-free.
Step 3: Melt in the chocolate
- Add the chopped dark chocolate to the pot.
- Keep the heat on low and whisk gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture looks shiny and uniform (1–2 minutes).
- Pro Tip: Low heat is key—overheating can cause chocolate to seize or turn grainy.
Step 4: Sweeten with maple
- Pour in the maple syrup and whisk to combine.
- Taste and adjust: add a touch more maple if you prefer it sweeter.
- Pro Tip: If your chocolate is on the sweeter side, start with a little less maple and build up.
Step 5: Finish & froth
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk for 15–20 seconds to introduce a bit of air (light froth = dreamy texture).
- Remove from heat as soon as it’s steaming hot and just below a simmer.
- Pro Tip: That small pinch of salt doesn’t make it salty—it intensifies the chocolate and maple flavors.
Step 6: Serve like a pro
- Pre-warm your mug with hot water, then discard the water.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into the mug.
- Top with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa, and chocolate shavings, if you like.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving):
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Fat: 18 g (saturated fat 10 g)
- Carbohydrates: 32 g (sugars 28 g)
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 60 mg