Rich, velvety cocoa with a fruity twist
This Cherry Hot Chocolate is a cozy, indulgent drink that blends the richness of real cocoa with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. It feels like sipping a warm cherry truffle—perfect for winter nights, holiday treats, or a quick comfort drink when you want something a little extra. It comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you still crave something dreamy and homemade. Whether you top it with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of cherry syrup, this recipe brings a touch of fun and elegance to everyday sipping ✨.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2 mugs
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk (or oat/almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar (add more to taste)
- ½ cup cherry juice or cherry purée
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Extra cherry syrup or chopped cherries (optional)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Heatproof mugs
- Spoon for stirring
👩🏻🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm the milk:
Pour milk into a saucepan and heat over medium until steaming but not boiling. - Mix the cocoa base:
Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking 1–2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. - Add the chocolate + cherry:
Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Then add cherry juice or purée and vanilla. Heat for another 1–2 minutes until the color deepens and the mixture becomes silky 🍒. - Serve:
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, cherry drizzle, or chocolate shavings. Enjoy hot and cozy! ☕️✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Make it extra rich: Swap ¼ cup of the milk for heavy cream.
- Cherry boost: Add 1 tablespoon cherry jam for a deeper flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use oat milk and dark chocolate without milk solids.
- Batch it: Double the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker for gatherings.