Indulge in the decadence of French Hot Cocoa, a luxuriously rich and velvety drink that’s perfect for cozy evenings or a touch of elegance on a chilly day. Unlike its sweeter counterparts, this European-style cocoa highlights the deep, intense flavor of dark chocolate, balanced with creamy milk and just a hint of sweetness.
We tested this recipe with 1% and 2% milk, but feel free to use whole or skim milk to suit your preference. For an even richer cocoa, increase the dark chocolate to 2 ounces instead of 1.5 ounces. For an extra special touch, try garnishing with a chocolate or caramel drizzle on top of the whipped cream. To add a festive twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes or edible gold dust for a dazzling finish!

French Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1.5 oz dark chocolate
- whipped cream for topping
- marshmallow for add-ins
- chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally. until warm but not boiling. Turn off heat.
- Add chocolate to the pan and whisk continuously until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour hot cocoa into a mug. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired. Garnish with chocolate shavings.