We are big fans of hot cocoa at my house, and we are also big fans of a taste test challenge! This time, we are choosing our favorite between a simple-to-make traditional hot cocoa, and an easy DIY frozen version. Which one does your family like best?
Traditional Hot Cocoa
What you need:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- marshmallows
What you do:
- Heat milk, half and half, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium low heat, stirring frequently.
- When warm (but not boiling), add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk.
- Whisk in vanilla extract.
- Serve immediately with marshmallows.
- OPTIONAL: Add a pinch of salt to the pot of hot cocoa before serving.
Frozen Hot Cocoa
What you need:
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 3 hot cocoa packets
- 1 1/4 cups mini marshmallows, divided
What you do:
- Beat heavy cream in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form.
- Use a spatula to fold in the sweetened condensed milk.
- Then fold in the hot cocoa, mixing well.
- Add 1 cup marshmallows and stir until they are evenly spread throughout the ice cream mixture.
- Pour mixture into a metal loaf pan.
- Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of marshmallows.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 4-6 hours or until firm.
To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice!
