Autumn Spiced Hot Chocolate

A stovetop hot chocolate for two made by whisking cocoa powder into milk with cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, salt, and vanilla. The drink is heated until smooth and steaming, with a light spice note rather than a heavy dessert profile.

By Julienne

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 240 ml whole milk divided
• 16 g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 24 g granulated sugar
• 1.5 g ground cinnamon
• 0.5 g ground nutmeg
• 0.5 g fine salt
• 240 ml whole milk divided
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 60 ml heavy cream optional, for a richer finish

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 240 ml of the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over medium-low heat until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the mixture looks glossy and smooth. No dry cocoa remains and the mixture is lump-free.
2. Whisk in the remaining 240 ml milk and the vanilla extract. If using the optional heavy cream, add it now for a richer texture. The drink is steaming and evenly colored, with no visible separation.
3. Continue heating for 5 to 7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the hot chocolate is steaming and just below a simmer. Do not boil. Steam rises steadily and small bubbles appear only around the edges.
4. Pour into 2 mugs and serve immediately. Each mug is filled with a hot, smooth cocoa drink.