Hot chocolate made with hazelnut milk is a delicious dairy-free take on classic hot chocolate. It’s an ideal warm beverage to enjoy on chilly winter days.
Winter is approaching, and the season for cozy hot drinks is here.
While instant powder cocoa is convenient, nothing compares to the richness of homemade hot chocolate.
Here’s an easy dairy-free hot chocolate using hazelnut milk.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Hazelnut milk is lovely on its own, but it becomes truly indulgent when combined with melted chocolate.
This vegan hot chocolate is simple to prepare.
Heat hazelnut milk (or any nut milk you prefer) and pour it over chopped dark chocolate.
Stir until smooth. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting mug of hot chocolate.
Nut Milks
Over time I’ve grown to prefer dairy-free milk alternatives, and nut milks are my favorite. Making them at home lets you control thickness and texture.
Adjust the amount of filtered water when blending nuts to change the milk’s viscosity: less water yields a thicker, creamier milk; more water creates a thinner, lighter milk closer to skim.
What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
Hot cocoa typically uses cocoa powder and sugar dissolved in hot water or milk, producing a sweeter, thinner drink. It’s often enjoyed with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Hot chocolate is made by melting chopped dark or bittersweet chocolate into heated milk or cream. It’s richer, thicker, and usually doesn’t require extra sugar. Like hot cocoa, it can be garnished with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a splash of liqueur.
Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups cacao hazelnut milk (see notes for recipe)
- 3 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- pinch of fine sea salt, optional
- marshmallows, to top
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, bring the cacao hazelnut milk to a gentle boil. Pour the hot milk over the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then add a pinch of salt and whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
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Divide the hot chocolate between serving mugs. Top with marshmallows if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Recipe for homemade cacao hazelnut milk can be found on the same site; you can also use store-bought hazelnut milk or another nut milk.
- To keep this beverage dairy-free, choose high-quality dark chocolate and check the ingredient list. Many chocolates with 70% cocoa or higher do not contain milk, but always verify the label.
Nutrition
, Carbohydrates: 38g
, Protein: 5g
, Fat: 22g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!Note: Cinnamon churro marshmallows were used as a garnish in the photos.
