Espresso Hot Chocolate

When it's especially cold out, nothing is better than a steaming cup of Espresso Hot Chocolate. Chopped chocolate is melted into hot milk, heavy cream, espresso, cinnamon and vanilla. This hot cocoa with a caffeine boost is the perfect thing on a chilly winter day.

📝 Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 2 pinches ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 12 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Add the milk and heavy cream to a large pot or dutch oven and heat on medium to medium-high heat until hot but not boiling.
2. 2Meanwhile in a heat-safe bowl, add the espresso powder, cinnamon and salt. Pour in the hot water and stir to combine. Set off to the side.
3. 3Once the milk and cream are hot, stir in the sugar and chocolate. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the chocolate is melted.Then add in the espresso mixture and vanilla.
4. 4If the hot chocolate cools at all, reheat on medium until hot, but not boiling.
5. 5Ladle espresso hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel and/or sprinkles.