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Authentic French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud) – Extra Thick and Velvety

Close-up of rich, dark french hot chocolate with a layer of small bubbles on top, served in a beige mug.
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Make the best French hot chocolate at home. This rich, creamy, and velvety sipping chocolate recipe uses dark chocolate for a truly decadent winter warmer.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine the whole milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm the mixture until small bubbles form around the edges, but do not let it boil.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the warm milk mixture. Let it sit undisturbed for one minute to begin melting.
  3. Whisk the mixture gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the liquid is smooth.
  4. Return the saucepan to low heat. Whisk in the sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the hot chocolate thickens slightly and becomes velvety. Do not allow it to boil.
  5. Pour the rich sipping chocolate immediately into mugs. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For an even more luxurious texture, use a whisk to vigorously incorporate air just before serving.
  • You can substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar if you prefer a different sweetness profile.
  • This recipe is for a truly decadent, thick hot chocolate, similar to Parisian café style.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/french-hot-chocolate-recipe-easy-gourmet/