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The Best White Hot Chocolate

Easy White Hot Chocolate

Camila Benitez
When the temperature drops outside, there's nothing like a warm and comforting cup of White Hot Chocolate to help you unwind and relax.  Made with premium white chocolate, whole milk, and a variety of warming spices, this homemade version is perfect for savoring anytime, whether snuggled up on the couch, entertaining guests, or simply looking for a luxurious treat. With its rich and decadent flavor, white hot chocolate can be enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or a sweet and satisfying dessert. Why not whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a sweet drink?
4.80 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Tools

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 (12 oz) evaporated milk or 1-½ cups of half-and-half
  • 17 ounces Premium classic white chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Lindt, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla
  • 5 pieces star anises , plus for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg , plus more for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk evaporated milk and spices. Cook over medium heat, frequently stirring, until milk starts to bubble around the walls of the saucepan (scalding) or the temperature registers 180 to 175 F.
  • Lower heat and cook for 10 minutes, frequently stirring so it doesn't burn. Remove from heat and steep for ten additional minutes.
  • Heat gently, add chocolate, and whisk briskly for 5 minutes over low heat until hot (do not boil) and the chocolate is completely melted. Add both vanilla and serve with star anise in each cup. Enjoy!

Notes

How to Store & Re-Heat
  • To store: Leftover white hot chocolate, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: First, reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot. Alternatively, pour it into a small saucepan over low heat, frequently stirring until hot.
If you have a slow cooker with a warm setting, you could transfer the hot chocolate to the slow cooker and heat it on the warm setting, occasionally stirring until hot. Regardless of your chosen method, be careful not to boil or overheat the hot chocolate, which could cause it to separate or become grainy. Once it's heated through, serve it in mugs and enjoy!
Make-Ahead
White hot chocolate can be made ahead of time; however, it must be noted that it may thicken or develop a layer on top the longer it sits. To make it ahead, follow the recipe as directed and allow the hot chocolate to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The hot chocolate can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve it, reheat it using one of the methods described above, being careful not to overheat it.
If the hot chocolate has thickened or developed a layer, whisk it vigorously until it's smooth and creamy again. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, garnish as desired, and serve immediately. Making hot chocolate will save you time and stress on the day you plan to do it.
Notes
  • You can use any milk or non-dairy you want. However, full-fat dairy results in richer and creamier white hot chocolate.
  • This recipe also works well with chocolate chips or bars.
  • Topping ideas: Whipped cream, marshmallows, white chocolate shavings or chocolate chunks, peppermint, toffee bits, cinnamon and sugar blend, pumpkin pie spice, etc.
  • Refrigerate the White Hot Chocolate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated; do not boil. After that, remove it quickly to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Easy White Hot Chocolate
Amount per Serving
Calories
376
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
 
15
g
94
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
46
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
116
mg
5
%
Potassium
 
351
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
31
g
10
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
31
g
34
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
431
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
269
mg
27
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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