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Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate combines semisweet chocolate, maraschino cherry juice, and a hint of almond in a smooth, steaming drink. Top each mug with soft whipped cream and chopped maraschino cherries for a chocolate-covered-cherry finish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the hot chocolate
  • 4 cup whole milk
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.125 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.125 tsp almond extract
For serving
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream cold
  • 1 tbsp confectioners' sugar
  • 8 maraschino cherries drained and chopped

Method
 

Make the hot chocolate
  1. In a 3-quart saucepan, whisk the milk, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
  2. Set the pan over medium heat and cook, whisking often, until the milk is steaming but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chopped chocolate, and whisk until melted and smooth.
  4. Whisk in the cherry juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Whip the cream and serve
  1. In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar with a whisk or mixer until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Divide the hot chocolate among 4 mugs and top each with whipped cream and chopped cherries.

Notes

For the smoothest drink, whisk the chocolate in until fully melted before adding the extracts. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-free variation, use oat milk and coconut cream.