Asher’s 5 Minute Vanilla Bean Hot Cocoa.

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: 

Caramel Espresso Hot Cocoa

Salted Caramel Brûlée Latte

Gingerbread White Russian

Chai Espresso Martini

Creamy Coconut Hot Chocolate

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!

@halfbakedharvest

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