22 Feb Hot Chocolate They Will Love: This Treat Is A Favorite Of Children Of All Ages
All kids love hot chocolate, and there may be no more perfect occasion to indulge that love than just after a busy day spent outside in the autumn or winter chill.
Even if you live in sunnier climates with mild temperatures year round, we bet that your child loves cocoa just as much as children in more northern locations do. No matter where you call home, hot chocolate is a wonderful treat to give your kid when they’re craving something rich and sweet, and oh so chocolatey.
In this post, we offer up several hot chocolate recipes that are rich, tasty, and delicious. If you avoid dairy products or wish to use a traditional sugar alternative, not to worry – we’ve got you covered! You’ll find more than classic cocoa here, so read on and choose the hot chocolate recipe that’s just right for your family.
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total: 7 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Warm the milk on top of the stove.
- Stir in cocoa powder, and whisk until fully blended.
- Add the honey and vanilla, and keep whisking until fully blended.
Pour into mugs and serve warm. Serves two adults or three children.
Rich & Creamy Hot Chocolate
This is an even richer take on the classic hot chocolate your parents likely made when you were a child. You can omit the sweetened condensed milk if you prefer.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: approx 25min
These chocolate and caramel confections are a huge hit at Christmas, and they’re a breeze to make at home. A child of almost any age can help with this recipe, especially if you put the pecans in clusters rather than placing them in the shape of “turtle legs.”
Ingredients:
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups milk of your choice
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
- Whipped cream or heavy whipping cream
Directions:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and condensed milk. Whisk together well.
- Stir in the sugar and chocolate chips, and keep whisking for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Once chips have melted and ingredients are blended, pour into mugs.
- If using heavy whipping cream, whisk until it is whipped. Top each mug with whipped cream.
Serves 4 – 6 children. Can be saved for a day in the fridge and then reheated if you have extra.
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 1 minute
Total: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- 1 – 2 teaspoons cocoa powder (Unsweetened)
- 1– 2 teaspoons honey
- Mini marshmallows for topping (Optional)
Directions:
- Warm the milk on the stove or in a glass container in the microwave. (60 – 90 seconds.)
- Once the milk is warm, vigorously whisk in the other ingredients. Keep stirring until fully blended.
- Pour into a mug, top with marshmallows (if desired). Serves one child.
Extra Special Hot Chocolate
This recipe is super rich, extra tasty, and perfect for a cold, winter afternoon after they’ve been outside building a snowman! It’s thick, rich, and delicious.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 1 minute
Total: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (dark or milk)
- 1/2 cup 35 percent cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
Directions:
- Heat the milk
- Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until fully blended
- Add chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until blended thoroughly.
- Add the cream, and stir some more.
Pour cocoa into mugs. Serves 2 adults or 3 children. Add mini marshmallows, peppermint, cinnamon or whipped cream as a garnish.
One of these recipes is sure to be the perfect antidote to cold cheeks and chilled fingers and toes. Whether you select the dairy-free version or go all out with our extra-special variety, we know your child will love having a comforting, delicious mug of hot chocolate one afternoon.
Enjoy!