Description
Strawberry Hot Chocolate is a delightful and cozy twist on the classic hot chocolate, blending creamy white chocolate, rich milk and cream, and flavorful strawberry syrup into a luscious pink drink. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this recipe offers options including a fresh strawberry variation and a convenient powdered mix for easy serving. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles, it’s an irresistible treat bursting with strawberry goodness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (488 g) whole milk
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (85 g) white chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup (103 g) strawberry syrup, store-bought or homemade
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, halved or diced
- White chocolate shavings
- Pink or red sprinkles
Fresh Strawberry Version Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled, washed
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring (optional)
Big-Batch Powdered Version Ingredients
- 8 ounces white chocolate, broken into pieces
- 1 ½ cups strawberry Nesquik
- ½ cup instant non-fat dry milk powder
- Hot water or whole milk, for serving (about 6 ounces per mug)
Instructions
- Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy whipping cream. Heat the mixture until it is steaming but not boiling, approximately 5 minutes. This ensures the dairy is warm enough to melt the chocolate without scorching.
- Melt White Chocolate: Add the white chocolate chips to the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to encourage even melting and a smooth texture. Continue whisking until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated.
- Add Strawberry and Vanilla: Pour in the strawberry syrup and add the vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to combine all flavors into a silky, pink hot chocolate base.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the hot chocolate evenly into mugs. Top each serving with your choice of garnishes such as whipped cream, fresh strawberries, white chocolate shavings, or pink/red sprinkles to enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Fresh Strawberry Version: Blend 2 cups of whole milk with 1 cup of hulled, washed fresh strawberries until smooth. Heat this mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup white chocolate chips and 2-3 tablespoons sugar, whisking constantly until melted and sugar is dissolved. Optionally add pink food coloring. Serve with preferred garnishes.
- Big-Batch Powdered Version: Pulse 8 ounces of white chocolate pieces in a food processor until broken into pea-sized bits. Add ½ cup instant non-fat dry milk powder and 1½ cups strawberry Nesquik, processing until the mixture reaches a powder consistency. To prepare a mug, add 3 tablespoons of the powder to a mug, then top with about 6 ounces of hot water or milk. Stir well and add toppings as desired.
Notes
- The fresh strawberry version allows for a more natural strawberry flavor and color, ideal if preferred over syrup.
- The powdered version can be prepared in bulk and stored for quick, easy servings whenever desired.
- Be careful not to boil the milk and cream to avoid curdling or burning the chocolate.
- Optional pink food coloring can intensify the rosy hue of the beverage.
- Garnishes add texture and visual appeal—try combining whipped cream with fresh fruit and sprinkles for a festive presentation.
