We love Alton Brown’s Hot Cocoa recipe! It’s a staple here at Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast and available all year round. It’s super easy and delicious, too!
Hot Chocolate Mix
You can even get the kiddos involved in this one; they can learn to measure and slowly whisk together with minimal adult supervision.
Ingredients
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder preferably Dutch process
- 2 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional, may use more if you prefer a spicier hot chocolate
- Hot milk or water to serve
Peppermint Marshmallows
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk more may be needed to thin glaze
- marshmallows
- peppermint candy canes crushed
Instructions
Hot Chocolate
- Combine the confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, milk powder, salt, cornstarch and cayenne in a large airtight container. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to combine, and remember to shake or stir thoroughly prior to every use.
- To serve: Place 2 tablespoons of the mix in a mug and add about 2 fluid ounces of hot water or milk. Stir to combine. Fill the mug with more hot water or milk until desired amount is reached, and enjoy.
*Peppermint Candy Cane Marshmallows (Optional)
- Create a glaze by adding milk to powdered/confectioners sugar until desired consistency is reached. Dip marshmallows in glaze, then roll in crushed candy canes pieces.
Notes
During the holidays, we like to make candy cane marshmallows* with leftovers crushed candy cane bits from our peppermint stick ice cream, to give it a little seasonal flare!
For the adult version, take it one step further and add a little peppermint schnapps or peppermint flavored vodka!
