Chocolate Cherry Hot Chocolate (Printable Version)
A rich blend of cocoa, chocolate, and cherry syrup for cozy winter sipping.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Dairy
01 -
4 cups whole milk
02 -
1 cup heavy cream
→ Chocolate and Cocoa
03 -
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 -
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
→ Sweeteners and Flavoring
05 -
⅓ cup granulated sugar
06 -
½ cup maraschino cherry syrup, drained
07 -
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
→ Seasoning
08 -
¼ teaspoon salt
→ Optional Toppings
09 -
Maraschino cherries
10 -
Whipped cream
11 -
Chocolate shavings
12 -
Marshmallows
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Lightly coat the interior of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or rub a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution.
03 -
Pour the whole milk, heavy cream, and maraschino cherry syrup into the slow cooker. Add the whisked dry ingredients, vanilla extract, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is mostly dissolved.
04 -
Set the slow cooker to LOW heat and cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring every 30 to 45 minutes to facilitate even melting of chocolate chips.
05 -
Taste and modify sweetness or cherry intensity if desired. If the hot chocolate is too thick, whisk in a small splash of milk to adjust consistency.
06 -
Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with optional whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, and marshmallows to enhance presentation and flavor.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and coconut cream, and use vegan chocolate chips. Maintain the slow cooker on warm for serving at parties. Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk if thick. This beverage can be frozen and thawed before reheating. Optionally, add cherry liqueur or amaretto for an adult version.