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This festive Candy Cane Forest Christmas Cocoa is a cozy, sweet treat perfect for the holiday season! It combines the rich, creamy goodness of hot cocoa with the refreshing minty flavor of crushed candy canes, topped with whipped cream and more candy cane pieces for an extra touch of holiday magic. This drink is sure to warm you up and get you into the holiday spirit!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2-3 candy canes, crushed (plus extra for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cocoa Base:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream (if using) over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scalding.
- Once the milk is warm (but not boiling), whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar. Continue to whisk until the cocoa powder and sugar are fully dissolved.
2. Add the Chocolate:
- Stir in the chocolate chips and continue to heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate has melted completely and the cocoa is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Flavor:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes. Mix well to incorporate the minty flavor into the cocoa.
4. Serve the Cocoa:
- Pour the hot cocoa into mugs, leaving room at the top for the whipped cream and toppings.
- Top each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then sprinkle with the remaining crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, and any other toppings you desire (chocolate shavings or festive sprinkles work wonderfully).
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
- For an extra holiday touch, you can garnish the cocoa with a mini candy cane stirred into the drink or placed on the rim of the mug.
Tips:
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk) and coconut whipped cream for a vegan version of this treat.
- Extra Minty Flavor: For an even stronger mint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cocoa.
- Spiked Version: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or your favorite holiday liqueur for an adult version of this festive drink.
This Candy Cane Forest Christmas Cocoa is a sweet and festive way to celebrate the holidays, offering the perfect blend of creamy cocoa and refreshing minty candy cane crunch. Perfect for sipping by the fire!
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