White Chocolate Orange Hot Cocoa
A cozy, seasonal twist on classic hot chocolate blending creamy white chocolate with bright orange notes, perfect for holiday mornings or special indulgences.
Ingredients
For the cocoa
- 2 cups milk Can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips Use high-quality white chocolate for better melting.
- ½ teaspoon orange extract Adjust to taste, can replace with fresh orange juice.
For serving
- to taste whipped cream For topping.
- to taste orange zest For garnish.
Instructions
Heating the Milk
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 175–185°F (80–85°C).
- Avoid a rolling boil to prevent a skin from forming on the milk.
Melt the White Chocolate
- Lower the heat and stir in the white chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- Use a whisk or heatproof spatula, stir constantly, and remove from heat if necessary to continue melting.
- For an ultra-silky texture, blend briefly with an immersion blender.
Add Flavor
- Stir in the orange extract and mix well.
- Taste and adjust the citrus note as preferred, using fresh orange juice or zest if desired.
Serve and Garnish
- Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and top with whipped cream and orange zest.
- Optional: Grate white chocolate curls or sprinkle cocoa powder on top for extra flair.
Enjoy
- Sip slowly and enjoy the creamy, citrusy comfort.
- For larger batches, keep warm in a thermal carafe and whisk occasionally.
Notes
For added flavor, toast orange peel before zesting, and for dairy-free versions, use alternative milks and white chocolate. Leftover cocoa may be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 9gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 40g
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