Creamy Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
A rich, velvety hot chocolate with a red velvet twist, perfect for cozy winter nights and festive gatherings. This creamy drink blends cocoa, cream cheese, and white chocolate for a nostalgic comfort in every cup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (38 g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (45 g) white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) softened cream cheese (full-fat)
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
- Optional garnish: white chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder
Instructions
- Warm the milk and cream: Pour 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes until warm but not boiling, with steam rising and small bubbles forming on the edges.
- Mix cocoa and sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons sugar to create a dry mix.
- Incorporate cocoa mixture: Gradually add the cocoa and sugar blend to the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes until fully blended and slightly thickened.
- Add white chocolate and cream cheese: Add 1/4 cup white chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese. Whisk continuously to melt and combine smoothly, lowering heat briefly if lumps appear.
- Color and flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon red food coloring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the color is uniform and deep red.
- Heat to serving temperature: Continue warming for another 2-3 minutes, whisking frequently. The hot chocolate should be steaming hot but not boiling.
- Serve immediately: Pour into heatproof mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with white chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Notes
Soften cream cheese at room temperature before adding to avoid lumps. Whisk cocoa and sugar together before adding to milk to prevent clumps. Avoid boiling to prevent bitterness and separation. For dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use vegan cream cheese and white chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 5
Keywords: red velvet hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, winter drink, cozy beverage, homemade hot chocolate, red velvet drink