When the weather outside is frightful, a sizable cup of cocoa is deliciously delightful! Want to drink something even better? Brew up a few belly-warming mugs of our dulce de leche hot chocolate, inspired by Bakersbeans, and you’ll be hoping for a long cold winter.
Better than any overpriced coffee bar drink, this Latin-inspired hot chocolate delivers a mouthful of lusciously sweet caramel and cocoa flavors. Your tongue will tingle with the welcome surprise of warm spices. Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a dash of ancho chili powder give this drink a gourmet edge over the usual cup of cocoa.
ALSO TRY: Boozy marshmallow hot chocolate
Ancho chili powder is a go-to ingredient for authentic Mexican cuisine. This rich, smoky-sweet spice comes from grinding dried poblano peppers. It has a mild to medium heat and an almost raisin-like flavor. If you can’t find ancho in your local grocer’s spice aisle, order it online or substitute a dash of your favorite chili powder for this hot chocolate recipe.
Dulce de leche sweetened condensed milk is a secret ingredient that makes this winter drink taste like an irresistibly sweet caramel doused in rich chocolate. This unparalleled ingredient, which is often referred to as Mexican caramel, is in the baking aisle with the cans of regular sweetened condensed milk or in the Latino grocery section.
Make your own dulce de leche. If you can’t find dulce de leche sweetened condensed milk, you an easily make your own by cooking a can of sweetened condensed milk until the milk is caramel in color. Set an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue to boil for 2 to 3 hours, checking the pot regularly to make sure the water continues to cover the can. Add more boiling water as needed. The heat from the water and pressure in the can will cook and caramelize the milk. Use tongs to remove the can and let it cool on a wire rack. DO NOT open the hot can because the dulce de leche will forcefully and dangerously spew out. Once the can is cool, open and enjoy!
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Combine milk, cocoa powder, spices, and vanilla
This is a sweet, spicy, caramel-flavored hot chocolate that is simmered to perfection on the stove. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the Dulce de Leche sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, whole milk, vanilla, and salt. Cook, whisking continuously until small bubbles appear. The mixture needs to be hot but not boiling.
Add chocolate chips and chile powder
Chocolate chips and Ancho chile powder give this hot chocolate even more chocolate and spice flavors. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chocolate chips and a dash of chile powder to the saucepan, whisking to combine. Continue to whisk until the chocolate chips are melted. Keep the hot chocolate at a low simmer until ready to serve.
Serve hot with a gorgeous garnish
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with a billow of whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
How perfect is this for a chilly winter night?
A drink that will get you in the holiday spirit
So fancy with whipped cream and chocolate shavings!
Cheers to the holidays!
Dulce de Leche hot chocolate
Yield 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can dulce de leche sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- Dash of ground nutmeg
- Sprinkle of ancho chile powder for each cup
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon, milk, vanilla, and a small pinch of salt.
- Stir continuously until small bubbles appear but do not allow the mixture to come to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the chocolate chips and ancho chili powder. Whisk well until the chocolate has melted. Simmer until ready to serve.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately.
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