Description
Indulge in a festive and cozy treat with this Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate recipe. It combines rich milk chocolate hot cocoa with the tart sweetness of maraschino cherry juice, topped with homemade chocolate covered cherries and whipped cream for an irresistible drink perfect for chilly days or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chocolate Covered Cherries
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 10-12 maraschino cherries, stemmed
Hot Chocolate
- 16 ounces whole milk
- 2 packets (1.38 oz each) Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
- 8 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice (reserve from jar)
- Whipped cream (Stabilized Whipped Cream or Reddi Wip) for garnish
- Chocolate covered cherries (prepared above) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Covered Cherries: In a small microwavable bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips for 30 seconds then stir until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Cherries: Gently dip each maraschino cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are evenly coated. Slowly lift them out to allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Set the Coated Cherries: Place the chocolate-covered cherries onto a plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely.
- Heat the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, watching closely until it starts to steam. Do not allow it to boil.
- Prepare the Hot Cocoa Cups: Empty one packet of Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix into each mug.
- Add Cherry Juice: Pour 4 teaspoons of the maraschino cherry juice into each mug, adding a tart cherry flavor to the hot chocolate.
- Combine Milk and Mix: Slowly pour the hot milk into each mug and stir well until the cocoa mix and cherry juice are fully combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each hot chocolate with a generous amount of whipped cream (either stabilized whipped cream or Reddi Wip). Garnish with the prepared chocolate covered cherries by skewering them on a wooden skewer and placing it atop the cup for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Do not boil the milk to avoid scorching and maintain a smooth texture.
- Freeze chocolate covered cherries adequately so they hold their shape when garnished.
- Stabilized whipped cream helps maintain the creaminess longer if serving to guests.
- Use fresh maraschino cherry juice for best flavor impact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
