I first made Bailey’s Hot Chocolate on a bitterly cold evening when I needed something more comforting than my usual tea. The moment I whisked that Dutch-processed cocoa into the warm milk and the rich, chocolatey aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. It’s become my go-to for turning a mundane night into a cozy celebration, and I’m so excited to share how you can create that same decadent, soul-warming experience in your own home.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
OPTIONAL GARNISHES:
- Whipped topping
- Chocolate syrup
- Mini marshmallows
- Semi-sweet chocolate shavings
When I first tested this, I tried it with natural cocoa powder and the flavor was noticeably flatter and more acidic. Trust me, don’t skip the Dutch-processed cocoa; its mellower, deeper chocolate flavor is the foundation here. For the milk, whole milk makes it luxuriously creamy, but I’ve successfully used full-fat oat milk for a dairy-free version that’s still delicious. The semi-sweet chips are non-negotiable for that ultra-rich texture—they’re what make it “drinkable chocolate” rather than just cocoa.
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mug(s) for serving
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