"Special Ingredient" Hot Chocolate
Since the holidays are such a special time of year, making this "Special Ingredient" Hot Chocolate is a must. What makes this homemade hot chocolate recipe better than others is that one special ingredient is included - cinnamon sticks! The cinnamon adds a touch of flavor that takes this hot chocolate to the next level. Make a big batch of this hot chocolate recipe for your holiday party, or just to warm you up on a cold winter night. It's an absolutely delicious Christmas drink recipe that you'll want to enjoy all year!
Notes
For Hot Cinnamon Mocha, add 3 to 4 tablespoons instant espresso powder to the milk when steeping with the cinnamon sticks.
Ingredients
- 2 quarts (1/2 gallon) fat-free milk
- 3 3-inch cinnamon sticks
- 20 ounces bittersweet chocolate (your favorite), broken into chunks
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the milk and cinnamon sticks in a 3 3/4 quart saucepan. Heat over medium heat; stir constantly until steamy and just beginning to bubble around the edges. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the cinnamon flavor into the milk.
- Stir in the chocolate chunks. When chocolate is melted, remove cinnamon sticks and stir in vanilla extract. Using an immersion blender, blend on Low about 1 minute using a gentle up-and-down motion. Continue blending on Low until the mixture is creamy and frothy.
- Spoon into cups or mugs and top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream if desired.
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Edmund K
Sep 27, 2017
I had never thought about infusing cinnamon sticks in the milk for hot chocolate before. I've done it many times for hot apple cider, but this was a brand new idea for me. With cooler days and nights approaching, I'm definitely going to give this a try. I also like the fact it uses dark chocolate, which is my preference.
trishclark529
Dec 03, 2016
This is such a great recipe. My son loves hot chocolate so much that we run out of it often. Luckily, I usually have these ingredients on hand, especially during the holiday baking season. I just whip him up a batch of this, and he is a happy camper. He actually prefers this over store bought hot chocolate.
Member 2596266
Dec 05, 2014
How timely - having hot chocolate is our Advent activity tonight. Sounds delicious!
Cattrackfever 0579 304
Dec 03, 2014
I like my hot chocolate plain with miniature marshmallows on top.
littleredlvsbrad
Dec 03, 2014
I've never put cinnamon in my hot chocolate before, but I am going to try it tonight!
lindagregsangster 9304619
Dec 02, 2014
I love hot chocolate with whipped cream and I think the cinnamon will make it extra tasty.
alleycat1165
Dec 02, 2014
I used 2% milk since that is what I have in the fridge, but It came out delicious =)
Knittingdancer on Ravelry
Dec 02, 2014
Cinnamon anc chocolate together who could ask for anything more
mountains363
Dec 01, 2014
Sounds delicious,going to make it for my kids while we decorate for Christmas!But we need marshmallows on top!
psury2002 5701929
Dec 01, 2014
I think this woul.d be more delicious with a splash of Bailey's.
psury2002 5701929
Dec 01, 2014
This think this might be more delicious with a splash of Bailey's.
maryanneyantos 688 0396
Dec 01, 2014
We don't care for cinnamon in it, so I leave that out. But after having fun in the snow, nothing warms us up better than a hot cup of cocoa. Add a cracklin' fire and you're set!
TheresaJenkins
Dec 01, 2014
growing up hot chocolate and sled riding went together, we couldn't do one without the other...this would be a good recipe to try on our grandkids, after a day in the snow
ilovetoclap
Dec 01, 2014
This sounds amazing! I'm sure the cinnamon sticks are going to add a smell to the house that can't be beat!
buddygarrett53 748 3433
Dec 01, 2014
The "Special Ingredient" Hot Chocolate sounds delicious. It would be great for the holidays.
malibu311 6271402
Dec 01, 2014
I am a huge cinnamon fan and this was one of the best hot chocolates ever!
4ginagina14 506601 5
Dec 01, 2014
Love the addition of a mocha variation using espresso powder. Mmm!
zoomzoom123 129290 2
Dec 01, 2014
MY ALL TIME FAVORITE IS DARK DARK CHOCOLATE WITH A COUPLE OF SQUIRTS OF REAL WHIPPED CREME.
barb107
Dec 01, 2014
I have only had plain hot chocolate but this should be a wonderful change.
dancingcelt 208067 5
Dec 01, 2014
Yum! I do love hot chocolate, and this is a great way to try somethin a bit different. Quality chocolate is a must for this.
debbiemalley54 351 4758
Dec 01, 2014
CANNOT wait to make this....sounds like a hot chocolate that I had on vacation in CANCUN...it was the BEST EVER! ! ! HOPING )
kathy G2020
Dec 01, 2014
I like this, but I also like to skip the marshmallows and add a dollop of whipped cream on top sprinkled lightly with nutmeg. Yummy! Add a little Kahlua and it REALLY warms things up! lol
kathy G2020
Dec 01, 2014
I like this, but I also like to skip the marshmallows and add a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of nutmeg on top. When I really want to warm up, a little Kahlua added does the job!
princessanyaibe 06 03519
Dec 01, 2014
CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE THIS D Cinnamon sticks are a VERY nice touch 3
aanichini 4919140
Dec 01, 2014
I know fat-free milk is healthiest, but at nice 2% or 1% milk gives hot chocolate a fuller mouth feel. I'll try mine with the cinnamon@
Member 3656350
Dec 01, 2014
this sounds really flavorful intense, my mouth is watering! Kathryn C
debbiemalley54 351 4758
Dec 01, 2014
Cannot wait to make this...sounds like the hot chocolate I had on vacation in CANCUN....it was the BEST EVER!!!
brianpiero
Dec 01, 2014
This is very similar to a "Mexican" hot chocolate recipe that we make at home, minus a bit of sweetness, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Member 2877858
Dec 01, 2014
Never thought of adding Vanilla and cinnamon to hot chocolate. Sounds like a winner!
Member 4904908
Dec 01, 2014
My girlfriend and I gave this a try with a little whipped cream on top. Pretty good.
marlamorin 5868099
Dec 01, 2014
interesting.... i sometimes add Dove dark chocolate to mine.... never thought of adding vanilla...
dcdora01 6989790
Dec 01, 2014
Looks delicious! I will definitely have to make this for Christmas!
dcdora01 6989790
Dec 01, 2014
Looks delicious! I will definitely have to make this for Christmas!
JIll H
Dec 01, 2014
Sounds worth trying. I like cinnamon but have never added it to hot chocolate before.
lou32725 1704630
Dec 01, 2014
I prefer the one my Mother made in the 40's. Childhood memories are best and this recipe sounds great.
Member 5713149
Dec 01, 2014
This sounds like a recipe I need to make on Christmas Eve for the family!
lori22256
Dec 01, 2014
love, love, love cinnamon. just the right touch! oh, and you have to have whipped cream on top!!!
victoria410 436047 6
Dec 01, 2014
This sounds like an interesting recipe - I like cinnamon with sweet flavors, but not necessarily the spicy cinnamon flavors. I'd definitely give this a try!
achoomania 4215463
Dec 01, 2014
I never thought to add cinnamon to hot chocolate but that sounds like a good idea. I have been using dark chocolate for my chocolate for a few months and will add cinnamon the next time.
ldsangelsrme 86558 67
Dec 01, 2014
I love hot chocolate and I love cinnamon. Using real dark chocolate makes it both tastier and healthier. It should taste great!
gia1223
Dec 01, 2014
Hot chocolate is a big favorite with my family during the winter. I love that this recipe is made with real chocolate and cinnamon and a hint of sophistication.
Member 9750736
Dec 01, 2014
I love this ! I love flavored hot chocolate over plain. my favorite is Butterfinger candy flavor )
gia1223
Dec 01, 2014
Hot chocolate is a big favorite with my family during the winter. I love that this recipe is made with real chocolate and cinnamon and a hint of sophistication.
Member 9750736
Dec 01, 2014
I love this ! I prefer flavored hot chocolate than plain. My favorite is the Butterfinger candy hot chocolate .
wtanders 7172408
Dec 01, 2014
Dark chocolate in anything is great, but add the cream and make it smooth.
wtanders 7172408
Dec 01, 2014
Dark chocolate in anything is my thing. Also make it smooth and creamy.
ssbluetopaz6436 42 22175
Dec 01, 2014
I love hot chocolate but I prefer 2% milk and mini marshmallows.
cruzadotaty 545975 0
Dec 01, 2014
Waoooo it looks so delicious...ummmm. I love hot chocolate!!!!
porkrinds 0949242
Dec 01, 2014
I prefer hot cocoa plain, but some spiced rum and marshmallows would be great!
Member 8422596
Dec 01, 2014
Hmm. I never thought to add cinnamon or vanilla to hot chocolate. Will have to give this a try!
dcrites 6986730
Dec 01, 2014
I love my hot chocolate rich dark but marshmallows are good occasionally too.
pilaf 8081809
Dec 01, 2014
No cinnamon but a touch of malt powder and a snippet of Baileys. And of course a few mini marshmallows..
TexasCarol
Dec 01, 2014
Love my hot chocolate with cinnamon, just a hint of cayenne and lots of whipped cream....
pondmom754 3024563
Dec 01, 2014
I love this recipe! Incorporates both my favorites - chocolate and cinnamon!
pondmom754 3024563
Dec 01, 2014
I love this recipe! Incorporates two of my favorites - chocolate and cinnamon.
dwelchert 4050141
Dec 01, 2014
I've never had hot chocolate with cinnamon in it before. I'd like to give it a try though. Sounds yummy.
sallymclane5 77054 49
Dec 01, 2014
I like mine with an added ingredient. It could be more chocolate, caramel, or raspberry syrup.
liechti 5245042
Dec 01, 2014
Like mine plane but with some whipping crean and a bit of sprinkled chocolate on the top. The added cinnamon sounds interesting.
jfeldma1 3543963
Dec 01, 2014
I usually like my cocoa plain, but I think I would really enjoy this recipe!
sandiscott2010 876 2643
Dec 01, 2014
I prefer flavoured hot chocolate - there are so many different types to enjoy.
fiftyonefiftycs 19 81751
Dec 01, 2014
I love my hot chocolate dressed up. Add mint, more chocolate, marshmallow or whipped cream and I'm a happy camper... Would love your recipe in a adult version with a splash of Bailys Irish Cream.
DebbieR71275
Dec 01, 2014
Hot chocolate is perfect all on its on. Add a touch of vanilla and its a little piece of heaven.
rjdixon 8994679
Dec 01, 2014
I love Cinnamon in hot chocolate. I think I might have to add a little more sweetener, however.
sweetfire
Dec 01, 2014
Plain Hot Chocolate is the way to Go! Just like when I was a child and hot chocolate was a snowy day treat.
obrn52
Dec 01, 2014
I like adding some caramel syrup. YUMMY! This is good just the way back like it!!!
CreativityGoddess
Nov 06, 2014
Rich and thick, just like I want my hot cocoa to be. This was the perfect drink for a cold afternoon day!
Zimm102090
Nov 06, 2014
This hot chocolate was a little too rich for my liking. I'd probably change up the proportions of chocolate to milk next time. Otherwise, I enjoyed it!
shelfconsciouskati e
Nov 06, 2014
This hot chocolate is great for cold days. I loved how rich it was, but a few marshmallows or some whipped cream would really help to cut through the strong chocolate flavor.
BHerb
Nov 06, 2014
This makes a for a good strong cup of hot chocolate. It's perfect for keeping cozy on polar days. And the cinnamon adds an extra bit of flavor. I can't wait to make this for the holidays!
Plusk24
Nov 06, 2014
This hot chocolate is AMAZING. Everything about it is perfect, I wouldn't change a thing!
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