Hot Cocoa for a Crowd
Warm up your gatherings with this creamy, decadent Hot Cocoa for a Crowd, the ultimate winter beverage for sharing with family and friends. Made with a luscious blend of whole milk, heavy cream, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, this recipe delivers a rich and velvety cocoa experience that’s full of cozy flavor. Enhanced with a touch of vanilla extract and perfectly balanced with a pinch of salt, each sip is irresistibly smooth and satisfying. Ideal for holiday parties, movie nights, or snowy afternoons, this large-batch hot chocolate is easy to prepare in just 25 minutes and serves up to 12 people. Garnish with fluffy marshmallows or a swirl of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you're hosting a festive crowd or simply treating your loved ones, this recipe is your go-to for creating warm, chocolatey memories.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- marshmallows or whipped cream (optional for topping)
Instructions
In a large pot, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
While the milk mixture is warming, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly combine.
Once the milk mixture is warm (not boiling), gradually whisk in the cocoa powder mixture, making sure to dissolve any lumps.
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pot and stir until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Reduce the heat to low and let the hot cocoa gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Stir in the vanilla extract and taste the hot cocoa, adjusting the sweetness or chocolate intensity if desired.
Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.7 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.0 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 201 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.4 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.2 g | ||
| Protein | 13.4 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 300 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 560 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
