Description
Cool down with this decadent Frozen Hot Chocolate! Rich bittersweet chocolate blended with ice for a frosty, refreshing treat. Top with whipped cream, white chocolate drizzle, and more!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended for richness)
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 2 ounces white chocolate, melted (for drizzling, optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Chocolate shavings, for topping (optional)
- Maraschino cherries, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chopped bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining.
- Add Milk and Heat: Pour in the milk and place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk to prevent scorching.
- Melt the Chocolate: Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy (5-7 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool the Chocolate Mixture: Remove from heat and let cool completely. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes (or freezer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally) to speed up cooling.
- Combine Cooled Chocolate and Ice: Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into a high-powered blender. Add the ice cubes.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until completely smooth and thick, like a milkshake (1-2 minutes). Add a splash of milk if too thick, or more ice if too thin.
- Check the Consistency: The ideal consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to drink through a straw.
- Pour into Glasses: Pour the frozen hot chocolate into tall glasses (chilled if desired).
- Add Whipped Cream: Top each glass with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional): Drizzle melted white chocolate over the whipped cream. Microwave white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Garnish with Chocolate Shavings (Optional): Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream and white chocolate drizzle.
- Add a Maraschino Cherry (Optional): Top each frozen hot chocolate with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chocolate Type: Experiment with milk, dark, or flavored chocolate.
- Extracts: Add vanilla, peppermint, or almond extract for a unique flavor.
- Mocha: Add a shot of espresso or instant coffee.
- Spiked: Add a shot of Baileys, Kahlua, or chocolate liqueur (adult version).
- Vegan: Use dairy-free milk and vegan chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the blender. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chocolate base up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container. Thaw slightly and re-blend before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes