There are few sweeter ways to end the day than by snuggling up with your sweetheart and a warm mug of cocoa. Our decadent amaretto hot chocolate will warm your hearts with its indulgent flavors and adorable heart-shaped mini-marshmallow topping.
Although it may look (and taste) like it was created by a gourmet barista, it’s actually quite simple to make. Real Dutch-processed cocoa and semisweet chocolate simmered together with whole milk creates a steaming cup of creamy, homemade goodness. This is far superior to any powdered mix in a packet.
ALSO TRY: Boozy marshmallow hot chocolate
A splash of amaretto liquor is an extra-special accent that perfectly complements the rich, dark chocolate flavor. Amaretto is a sweet liqueur from Italy, made by infusing both almonds and apricot kernels. This gives it its distinctive flavor, which is reminiscent of cherries with a slightly nutty undertone.
Our recipe uses real sugar, but you can substitute your favorite sweetener of choice. If you’re looking to cut a few calories, you can make this with 2% or skim milk (or splurge and make it extra-decadent and creamy with some half-and-half).
You can also substitute your favorite liqueur — brandy, Kahlua, Bailey’s and peppermint schnapps are all excellent options that will add some exciting taste variations to your dessert-in-a-mug.
Heart marshmallows clearly separate this cup o’ love from everyday cocoa. By coating your heart-shaped cookie-cutter with a dusting of powdered sugar, you can create tiny confectionary tributes to love, without any stickiness. (Not shown: Us serving those cute little hollowed-out marshmallows on a little plate.)
Get all fancy and top your creation with chocolate chips, slivered almonds, a dusting of cocoa and more powdered sugar or whipped cream — whatever you little heart desires. Serve with a cookie or biscotti for dipping.
It’s always the tiny touches that say “I love you” the loudest.
Amaretto hot chocolate with heart marshmallows
Yield 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon plus one teaspoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1-1/2 tablespoons amaretto
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped or shaved semisweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Large marshmallows
- Small heart-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions
- In medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate.
- Bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring until chocolate is well blended.
- Add amaretto.
- Pour into mugs.
- Cut several marshmallows in half horizontally.
- Dip heart-shaped cookie cutter into powdered sugar. Press cutter into center of a cut marshmallow. Repeat for each marshmallow.
- Float marshmallow hearts on top of hot chocolate.
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