Thick French Press Hot Chocolate

$Hot chocolate starts with rich and creamy ingredients. Here is what you need: - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt - Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish Each ingredient plays a big role in creating this thick hot chocolate. Whole milk adds creaminess, while heavy cream makes it extra rich. The unsweetened cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into the mix, making it even better. Powdered sugar sweetens it just right. A dash of vanilla extract adds warmth, and sea salt balances the sweetness. Finally, topping with whipped cream and chocolate shavings makes it look amazing. You can find these items at your local grocery store. Choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they promise a delightful treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in your kettle. Pour some of this hot water into the French press. This helps warm the press, making your hot chocolate stay warm longer. After a minute, pour out the water. Your French press is now ready. Grab a bowl and whisk together the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. It’s key to mix these well. This step helps the cocoa blend smoothly into the hot chocolate later. Make sure there are no lumps. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat them over medium heat. You want to warm them until you see steam, but don’t let them boil. This helps create a rich and creamy base for your hot chocolate. Once the milk and cream are hot, take the saucepan off the heat. Now, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir well until the chocolate melts completely. The mix should be smooth and glossy. This is where the magic begins! Next, slowly whisk in your dry cocoa mixture into the warm chocolate milk. Keep stirring until there are no lumps. Put the saucepan back on low heat and add the vanilla extract. Stir until everything blends together and thickens just a bit. Carefully pour the hot chocolate mixture into your pre-warmed French press. Place the lid on and gently push down the plunger. Just press down enough to mix it. Avoid pressing too hard to keep everything inside without splattering. Pour the thick hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top each mug with a swirl of whipped cream. For a special touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top. This not only looks great but adds a lovely taste too! Enjoy your rich and creamy delight! To make your hot chocolate thick, you need the right mix of cream and milk. I use two cups of whole milk and one cup of heavy cream. This combo gives that rich, creamy feel. Heat them gently until you see steam. It’s important not to let the mixture boil. If you want it even thicker, add more cocoa powder. Just remember, a little goes a long way. For the best taste, I suggest using semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt well and blend smoothly into the hot chocolate. You can also try dark chocolate for a richer flavor. If you love sweetness, milk chocolate works great too, but it will taste different. Mixing chocolates can create a unique flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Adding spices can take your hot chocolate to the next level. I love adding a pinch of sea salt to bring out the chocolate's taste. You can also try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A dash of chili powder can add a fun kick. Just start small, taste, and adjust until it’s perfect for you. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. The richer the chocolate, the more decadent your hot chocolate will taste. Pre-Warm Your Mugs: To keep your hot chocolate warm longer, pre-warm your serving mugs by rinsing them with hot water before pouring in the drink. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your hot chocolate by adding flavors like peppermint extract, cinnamon, or even a dash of espresso powder for a mocha twist. Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the whipped cream and chocolate shavings! A generous garnish not only enhances the presentation but also adds extra creaminess and flavor to each sip. {{image_2}} You can enjoy thick French press hot chocolate even without dairy. Substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. These options keep the drink creamy and rich. Use full-fat coconut milk for extra thickness. It adds a nice flavor too. For the heavy cream, try coconut cream. This will give you that luscious texture without dairy. Want to change things up? You can infuse your hot chocolate with different flavors. Add a dash of peppermint extract for a minty twist. Or try a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice. You can also stir in a spoonful of hazelnut spread for nutty goodness. Each option brings new life to your drink. Toppings can make your hot chocolate even more special. Whipped cream is a classic choice, but you can get creative. Add mini marshmallows for a fun touch. Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch. Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top for extra sweetness. Don’t forget chocolate shavings for a fancy look! You may have some hot chocolate left after a cozy night. That’s okay! Store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your leftover hot chocolate, heat it gently. Pour it into a saucepan. Warm it over low heat on the stove. Stir it often to keep it smooth. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Want to save some hot chocolate for later? You can freeze it! Pour the cooled hot chocolate into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag. They will last for about three months. When you crave hot chocolate, just blend a few cubes into your milk for a quick treat. To make your hot chocolate thicker, use heavy cream instead of just milk. The fat adds a rich texture. You can also add more cocoa powder for extra thickness. Another trick is to let it simmer longer. This helps the mixture reduce and become more concentrated. Yes, you can use non-dairy milk. Almond, oat, or coconut milk works well. Choose a creamy option to keep the rich flavor. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to avoid extra sugar. Adjust the amount of cocoa powder to balance the taste. The best toppings include whipped cream and chocolate shavings. You can also use marshmallows, crushed cookies, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a fun twist, try a drizzle of caramel or a dash of sea salt. These add flavor and a nice look. Homemade hot chocolate lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you want to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well before serving to mix in any settled ingredients. You now have a simple way to make rich hot chocolate at home. We covered all the key ingredients and the easy steps to prepare it. I shared tips on achieving the right thickness and suggested great chocolate types. You can also explore fun variations and proper storage methods. This delicious drink brings warmth and comfort. Enjoy your hot chocolate and get creative with flavors and toppings. You’ll love making this treat again and again!$

A rich and creamy hot chocolate made using a French press for a thick and indulgent treat.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Beverage

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1.33 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.25 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch sea salt
to taste whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the French Press: Begin by boiling water in your kettle. Pre-warm your French press by rinsing it with hot water and then discarding the water.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and sea salt until well combined.
Heat the milk and cream: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm them over medium heat until you see steam rising, but do not let it boil.
Add chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat and add chocolate chips to the warm milk and cream mixture. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Combine: Gradually whisk in the dry cocoa mixture into the chocolate milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Then return the mixture to low heat and add vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well incorporated and thickened slightly.
French Press It: Carefully pour the hot chocolate mixture into the pre-warmed French press. Place the lid on and gently press down the plunger just enough to mix everything smoothly (avoid pressing too hard to avoid splatter).
Serve: Pour the thick hot chocolate into mugs and top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for garnish.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips.

Keyword dessert, French press, hot chocolate