Living in Pittsburgh, it seems hot chocolate is everywhere — and that, in my opinion, isn’t always a good thing. Those watered-down styrofoam cups at freezing cold football games or the overly sweet stuff handed out after cold weather 5Ks, are really consumed out of a need to stay warm, more so than for the enjoyment. It had been a long time since I had a cup ‘o chocolate that I actually enjoyed.

But I was feeling a bit Christmassy decorating the house, so I thought I’d whip up something warm and delicious to sip on as we watch holiday movies on repeat.

This Winter White Hot Chocolate has a dash of cinnamon to give the cup some complexity. You can add more or less, if you like. Even some nutmeg would taste pretty good.

The best part of making drinks like this is always the extras, so if you’re going to make hot chocolate a few times this winter, have fun things on hand like whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, and cookies. And for after hours, feel free to add a splash of rum.

It’s not even fair. With a drink like this, no other hot chocolates out there ever even had a chance.

Winter white hot chocolate with cinnamon_3


Winter white hot chocolate with cinnamon

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 (3″) cinnamon sticks
  •  1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups whole milk, (I’ve used 2% before to save some fat. It’s delicious too!)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/3 heaping cup of white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. In a medium sauce pan, toast dry cinnamon sticks for about 1 minute. Add 2 cups of milk and salt and bring pan to simmer. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup of milk and cornstarch.
  3. Add cornstarch mixture to larger saucepan and bring to a simmer — stir constantly. After about 1 minute of simmering, remove from heat. Add white chocolate, vanilla, and ground cinnamon and let sit until chocolate is melted. Stir well. Remove cinnamon sticks and toss, or use as garnish.
  4. Top with marshmallows, more cinnamon, whipped cream or add a splash of rum!

Winter white hot chocolate with cinnamon_3


Also see, Apricot pinwheel cookies.


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Author

Meghan is a full-time writer exploring the fun facts behind food. She lives a healthy lifestyle but lives for breakfast, dessert and anything with marinara. She’s thrown away just as many meals as she’s proud of.