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Asher’s 5 Minute Creamy Vanilla Hot Cocoa, complete with so much whipped cream, because…’tis the season! Steamed milk, sweet chocolate, and rich vanilla bean. This cocoa is creamy, light, perfectly sweet, and best enjoyed with a large helping of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Perfect for sipping while trimming the tree and decking the halls. This recipe is SIMPLE – only 4 ingredients, and it can be made in minutes!
Well, this is becoming a bit of a tradition at this point, the day-after-Thanksgiving/ Black Friday hot chocolate! I think I’m going on 4 years in a row of sharing a new hot chocolate recipe on this day. And while each is special, I think this is our favorite and the simplest yet.
This is Asher’s hot chocolate. It has only 4 ingredients and is made in 5 minutes. It’s the most perfect mug of cocoa, complete with a ratio of 2/3 hot chocolate to 1/3 whipped cream, the only way Asher will do it!
I can’t tell you how much I make this for her. Lately, it’s been a daily occurrence, so we decided I had to share the recipe!
Sometime around the beginning of October, Asher started coming over to the studio once I finished working for the day. She loves to talk while we clean, which is honestly super nice. It’s been an awesome way for us to easily squeeze in time together.
She also comes with a purpose, however. The first time she asked for a cup of hot chocolate I didn’t have all that I wanted on hand to make her a proper mug. But I of course had plenty of chocolate, so I figured I could make something work.
I was short on time, so I ended up pouring some milk into a mug, added a handful of chocolate chips, then a few small squares of dark chocolate and more vanilla than you probably need.
I threw the mix into the microwave and two minutes later she had a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Was it good? Only she could tell me.
YES. It was so good. So much so that she’s now asked for the very same mug of hot chocolate every single night since.
This is her favorite. Sometimes I add a splash of coffee, but most of the time I just do straight vanilla, it’s the secret.
Here are details
You can use whatever milk variety you love most, but I love whole milk or canned coconut milk.
Then, come the chocolate chips. Use semi-sweet morsels as these are the cocoa’s only “sweetener”. I use Nestle Toll House semi-sweet morsels. Then add three small squares of dark chocolate.
Now add plenty of vanilla. You can use vanilla bean powder (preferred) or vanilla extract, just be sure to use a lot. We think it’s what makes this hot chocolate really special.
Now microwave or steam on the stove.
This next step is crucial. Locate your cutest mug and pour in the steaming cocoa. And then? Add so much whipped cream, as much as you can fit in. More than you feel you need. It’s the only way!
Finish with chocolate shavings, or if you enjoy them, add some sprinkles on top. That would be even more festive!
If you need something sweet to warm things up this winter, make this hot chocolate. It’s universally loved by all and it’s almost too easy to make. Trust me, you’ll enjoy every sip of this cocoa! And again, don’t skimp on the whipped cream!
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and happy Black Friday too!
Looking for other warming holiday drinks? Here are a few ideas:
Lastly, if you make Asher’s 5 Minute Creamy Vanilla Hot Cocoa, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Asher’s 5 Minute Creamy Vanilla Hot Cocoa
Servings: 1 mug
Calories Per Serving: 455 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups whole milk or your favorite unsweetened milk
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 ounce dark chocolate
- 2 teaspoons vanilla or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
- so much whipped cream
- grated chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
STOVE-TOP
- 1. Add the milk, chocolate chips, dark chocolate, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt to a small pot. Place over medium-low heat and stir until the milk is scalding, but not boiling. 2. Once the hot cocoa is steaming, pour it into a mug, dollop with whipped cream, and top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Drink and enjoy!
Microwave
- 1. In a glass measuring cup, combine the milk, chocolate chips, dark chocolate, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. Microwave on high power for one minute. Whisk to combine, microwave one more minute, or until steaming. 2. Pour into a mug, dollop with whipped cream, and top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Drink and enjoy!
SLOW COOKER
- 1. Add 5 1/2 cups milk, 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips, 2 ounces dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (or 2 tablespoons vanilla extract), and a pinch of sea salt to the bowl of your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Switch to warm until ready to serve, up to 2 more hours.
AMAZING! Since I made it for quests, I got a little fancy and made my own whipped cream. I also made some squiggles using melted milk chocolate and ice water then topped each mug with my abstract creations 😁 This was definitely a hit and will be my go-to recipe for the holidays.
Hey Laura,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xT
This was so so good!! I love white chocolate so I added some white chocolate chips in as well and it added just the right amount of sweetness. Can’t wait to make this all winter long!
Hey Stephanie,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xT
I made this hot chocolate and it was absolutely delicious. I forgot to add the vanilla and still delicious. I used my best Seattle chocolate bars. I can’t wait to do it again with the vanilla this recipe is amazing.
Hey Linda,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed:) ☕️ xT
The best hot chocolate I’ve ever had! As someone who drinks hot chocolate pretty much every day of winter, this is amazing. Will definitely be making this on repeat!
Hey Laurel,
Happy Sunday!!⛄️ I truly appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xxT
Can’t wait to try this!! Which dark chocolate bar do you like to use?
Thanks so much Jenny!! I like to use Chocolove bars!! They are my fave:) xx
Like others here, I was enchanted by the mugs. I was able to find a small number of them on ebay under Nathalie Lete Gingerbread Christmas mug, maybe mention Anthropolgie too.
Thanks Patty! Yup, they are old from Anthropologie:)
passing through Summit County today!! thinking of you (from San Diego but visiting friends in Colorado)
Enjoy your trip Olivia!! xx
I made your Make Ahead White Wine Gravy for Thanksgiving. It was so delicious! It was the best gravy that I have ever had. Thank you for making such an important part of our dinner a success!
Hey Cindy,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that the gravy was a hit, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:)
Where is this cup from please?
Hi Val,
This mug is old from Anthropologie, I no longer have the link. Here is something else you might like:
https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=901277423&pid=uid3696-43323264-41&aid=45496900&utm_content=productwidget%3A63816b742d0ba511edc44c84&utm_medium=referral
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
I was so excited when I picked up my tablet this morning because I knew I was going to find your blog ready for Christmas! 🎄🎅🎁🦌 Thank you for this simple, delicious hot chocolate recipe! I used vanilla bean paste and it turned out perfectly! I’m going to make a mug for my husband when he wakes up. Happy Christmas Kickoff, Tieghan and Gerard fam! 🥳❤️
Awe, thanks so much for your kind message and following along Jen!! I hope your husband loves the recipe:) Happy Holidays! xx
I cannot not have any brown chocolate. so will try with white chips and white bars might add a jigger of whiskey too Making it warmer to the tummy on a cold winter evening. 🙂
Yum, sounds delicious Leslie!! I hope you love this recipe! xT
These mugs are so cute. Where might I purchase them. I hope your Thanksgiving was great!
Thanks so much Susan!! These are old from Anthropologie, but here’s some others you may like:
https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=898263857&pid=uid3696-43323264-41&aid=43342403&utm_content=productwidget%3A63614affa665607528eb1197&utm_medium=referral
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xxT
It isn’t even 6 a.m. but if I had any whipping cream I’d run into the kitchen and make this. It sounds delicious.
Lol thanks so much Janet!! Let me know if you give the recipe a try! xx
Love love love this so much! I think I already have all of the ingredients ❤️
Thanks so much Amy!! Let me know if you give the recipe a try! xx
Love this! Need to try it soon. Xx
Thanks so much Kelly-Jane!! I hope you love the recipe! xT
As I’m always in search of the perfect hot cocoa recipe, I’m anxious to give this a taste! Quick question – I’ve never tried vanilla bean powder, so I read a few reviews on Amazon and some said it’s gritty and/or doesn’t dissolve. Do you recommend a specific brand that works well for you? Thanks!
Hi Teresa,
Here is the link for the one that I like:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bGDl5
You could also just use vanilla extract if you are worried about it being gritty, although I’ve never had this experience. I hope you love the recipe! Please let me know if you give it a try! xx