There's no better comfort than curling up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
This sweet elixir warms the heart and lifts the spirits on even the coldest of days. But have you ever thought about what foods pair perfectly with this comforting beverage?
In this article, we'll delve into a world beyond the typical marshmallow topping and explore an array of flavours that can elevate your hot chocolate experience to new heights.
From sweet to savoury, spicy to zesty, we're about to embark on a flavour adventure that will take your humble hot chocolate to the next level.
So grab your favourite mug, and let's discover what truly goes well with hot chocolate!
Recipe: Recipe for Vegan-Friendly Hot Chocolate
What Goes With Hot Chocolate?
Here are a few suggestions to pair with hot chocolate to make it extra special:
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Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream on top of your hot chocolate is an all-time favourite. It adds a velvety smoothness to each sip.
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Marshmallows: Adding a handful of marshmallows will add a little fun and a lot of sweetness to your cup. They will melt into a frothy, delicious topping.
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Cinnamon Sticks: For a hint of spice, stir your hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick. It's a wonderful pairing and perfect for a wintry evening.
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Shortbread Biscuits: A traditional, buttery shortbread biscuit is the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Ideal for dipping.
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Churros: A Spanish treat, these sugary doughnut-like pastries are fabulous for dunking into your hot chocolate.
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Peppermint Stick: Stir your hot chocolate with a peppermint stick for a festive twist. The subtle mint flavour pairs wonderfully with the rich cocoa.
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Flavoured Creamers: Consider using flavoured creamers like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut to add a new depth of flavour to your hot chocolate.
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Nutmeg: A light dusting of nutmeg can add a warm and inviting flavour, perfect for a cosy night in.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic. Dunk a chocolate chip cookie into your hot chocolate for a match made in heaven.
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Baileys Irish Cream: For an adults-only version, add a shot of Bailey's. The creamy, slightly boozy addition takes hot chocolate to the next level.
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Orange Zest: A touch of orange zest in your hot chocolate can add a refreshing, tangy twist reminiscent of the classic combination of chocolate and orange.
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Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels pairs beautifully with the rich, sweet hot chocolate. Try chocolate-covered ones for an even more indulgent treat.
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Madeleines: These small, shell-shaped sponge cakes are light and fluffy, a perfect complement to a rich hot chocolate.
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Almond Biscotti: A traditional Italian biscuit, biscotti are designed for dunking. The almond variety adds a wonderful nutty flavour.
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Salted Caramel: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought salted caramel into your hot chocolate for a luxurious, sweet and salty kick.
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What Can You Add to Your Hot Chocolate to Make It Tastier?
Hot chocolate is the ultimate comfort drink. Perfect for warming up on a chilly evening, it's a sweet treat that's loved by all ages.
But if you're looking to jazz up your usual hot chocolate recipe, there are countless ways to add a little something extra for an exciting twist.
Here are 15 suggestions to make your hot chocolate even tastier:
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Nutella: Adding a spoonful of this creamy hazelnut spread will not only make your hot chocolate richer but will also give it a nutty undertone.
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Salt: A tiny pinch of salt can help to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavour of the chocolate.
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Chilli Powder: A bit adventurous, perhaps, but a pinch of chilli powder can add a kick to your hot chocolate. This pairing has ancient roots in Aztec cuisine.
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Cardamom: This fragrant spice can add a unique, aromatic flavour to your hot chocolate, making it more complex and satisfying.
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Coffee: A shot of espresso or a spoonful of instant coffee can make your hot chocolate taste even more indulgent, creating a delightful mocha blend.
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Coconut Milk: Replace regular milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. It adds a lovely creaminess and a subtle hint of coconut.
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Vanilla Extract: A few drops of pure vanilla extract can give your hot chocolate a wonderfully warm and comforting aroma and taste.
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Dark Chocolate: Adding a few squares of high-quality dark chocolate will add depth to the flavour and richness to the texture.
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Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener not only sweetens your hot chocolate but also imparts a unique, caramel-like flavour.
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Peanut Butter: A spoonful of creamy peanut butter will give your hot chocolate a nutty twist and make it creamier.
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Almond Extract: A few drops can add an unexpected, slightly sweet and nutty flavour.
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Malted Milk Powder: Adding malted milk powder will give your hot chocolate a malty flavour reminiscent of old-fashioned malted milkshakes.
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Earl Grey Tea: Steep a bag of Earl Grey tea in your hot chocolate for a sophisticated twist. The bergamot flavour can add a nice citrusy note.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce into your hot chocolate for a sweet and buttery addition.
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Liqueurs: For an adult version, consider adding a splash of your favourite liqueur. Frangelico, Baileys, or even a spiced rum can be a great addition.
By trying out these additions, you'll be able to create a delightful array of flavours and make your hot chocolate uniquely yours.
Remember, the beauty of hot chocolate is in its versatility - so don't be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and combinations.
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Where Can You Buy Chocolate to Make Your Own Hot Chocolate With?
Creating the perfect indulgent hot chocolate begins with sourcing the finest quality chocolate, and there’s no better place than the trusted Whitakers Chocolates.
Founded in 1889, our family-run Yorkshire-based company has been delighting Brits with our superior chocolate offerings for generations.
Our product, Easymelt, is a game-changer for hot chocolate enthusiasts.
Easymelt is a high cocoa percentage dark chocolate couverture specifically crafted for ease of melting.
With its rich, robust flavour profile and smooth consistency, it provides an excellent base for making luxurious hot chocolate at home.
The high percentage of cocoa solids ensures an intense, authentic chocolate taste, making it a perfect choice for hot chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent experience.
So where can you buy this brilliant product?
Whitakers Chocolates’ Easymelt is readily available online through this website.
Remember, the key to a perfect hot chocolate is starting with the best quality chocolate, and using Easymelt takes you one step closer to creating a beverage that is rich, creamy, and thoroughly indulgent.
Simply melt it in a small amount of warm milk until smooth, then whisk in the rest of your milk.
The result?
A perfectly smooth, flavoursome hot chocolate right in the comfort of your own home.
So why not elevate your hot chocolate experience with Easymelt and turn your cosy winter nights into an indulgent chocolatey delight?
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Some Notes From an Expert Chocolatier
As an experienced chocolatier, I’ve spent many years perfecting the art of chocolate making and learning to appreciate the nuances of flavour and texture that make the difference between good chocolate and an extraordinary one.
When it comes to treats like hot chocolate, my philosophy is simple – if you’re going to indulge, make sure it’s worth every calorie!
Creating a truly memorable hot chocolate is an art in itself.
The base should be top-quality real chocolate, like the Easymelt from Whitakers Chocolates.
Its high cocoa percentage and ease of melting make it an excellent choice for creating a rich, luxurious base for your hot chocolate.
When making hot chocolate, I always recommend using full-fat milk or oat milk.
These lend an extra creaminess to the drink, enhancing the velvety texture and rich taste.
Simply melt the chocolate in a small amount of warm milk, stirring until it’s smooth and glossy, and then gradually whisk in the rest of your milk.
The result is a hot chocolate that’s unparalleled in flavour and texture – a real treat to the senses!
And for that final flourish?
I am a firm believer in the magic of grated chocolate and mini marshmallows.
Grating a little chocolate on top adds an extra layer of indulgence and a beautiful visual touch, while the marshmallows provide a delightful sweetness and a fun, playful texture contrast as they slowly melt into the drink.
In essence, creating the perfect hot chocolate is all about quality ingredients and the love you put into it.
This isn’t just a beverage, it’s a moment of pure, unadulterated indulgence.
So next time you’re craving a comforting chocolatey treat, give this approach a go and experience hot chocolate as it’s meant to be – absolutely heavenly!
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Final Notes On What Goes With Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate, with its rich, soothing qualities, serves as a delightful base for a myriad of flavours and textures.
By incorporating various additions, you can transform a simple cup into a gourmet experience or an indulgent treat into a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Whether you're adding spices for a kick, a dash of your favourite liqueur for a grown-up treat, a spoonful of Nutella for an extra layer of indulgence, or perhaps a pinch of salt to bring out the deeper cocoa notes, the possibilities are endless.
Pairing your hot chocolate with complimentary snacks, such as shortbread biscuits, chocolate chip cookies, or churros, can also greatly enhance the overall experience.
Ultimately, the magic of hot chocolate lies in its versatility and its power to comfort and warm from the inside out.
Whether you prefer it straightforward or dressed up with a variety of flavours, each cup provides an opportunity to craft your perfect winter's treat.
So go ahead, don't be afraid to experiment with these suggestions or even come up with your own – the perfect cup of hot chocolate is all about what satisfies your sweet tooth and warms your heart.
