On chilly days, there is nothing better than cozying up with a delicious, warm drink. And if that drink happens to be Nutella Hot Chocolate, the experience becomes even more special. Imagine an intense flavor that blends the sweetness of Nutella with the silkiness of heavy cream and the irresistible touch of milk chocolate. This is the perfect recipe to warm the hearts and palates of the whole family. Not only is it easy to prepare, but this version of hot chocolate also skips the cornstarch, ensuring natural creaminess and an authentic flavor. If you are a chocolate lover, get ready to discover the secret to a hot chocolate that will surprise you in every sip. Follow the step-by-step guide to this delight and learn how to make the ultimate drink for cold days.
Ingredients for Nutella Hot Chocolate:
- 1 ¾ cups (400 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (approx. 130 grams) Nutella
- 1 container (approx. 7 oz/200g) heavy cream
- 3.5 oz (100g) chopped milk chocolate (or semi-sweet, if you prefer it less sugary)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, Nutella, heavy cream, and chopped milk chocolate.
- Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- As you stir, the chocolate will melt and the Nutella will dissolve into the milk, creating a creamy mixture.
- Continue cooking until the mixture is well-heated and reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the milk begins to simmer and is about to boil, remove from heat immediately to prevent it from boiling over.
- Serve the hot chocolate immediately in mugs, or transfer it to a thermal carafe if you prefer.
Tips for an Even More Delicious Hot Chocolate:
To ensure your Nutella hot chocolate is perfect, a few tips can make all the difference. First, if you prefer a more balanced flavor, opt for semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate. This substitution helps reduce the sweetness of the Nutella, creating an interesting contrast of flavors. Also, while cooking, make sure to stir constantly to prevent the chocolate or Nutella from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. This not only preserves the flavor but also ensures the desired creaminess.
If you love to experiment, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while it’s on the stove. These spices add a special touch, bringing a slightly spicy and aromatic flavor perfect for cold days. Another option is replacing the milk chocolate with 50% cocoa chocolate, which has less sugar and a more intense profile. Avoid using instant cocoa powder mixes, as they can make the drink overly sweet since the Nutella already provides plenty of sugar.
If you prefer an even thicker consistency, stir in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. This increases the intensity of the chocolate flavor without adding more sugar. For a nice presentation, try sprinkling some powdered milk or cocoa powder on top before serving. It not only looks beautiful but adds a final touch of flavor.
Finally, keep a close eye on the pan as the milk approaches a boil. Milk can rise and boil over very quickly, which can make a mess of your stovetop. Keep the heat at medium and stay focused. If you want to keep your drink warm longer, a thermal carafe is a great ally. This way, you can enjoy this treat throughout the day, always hot and creamy.
Prep Time:
Approximately 15 minutes.
Yield:
The recipe makes approximately 3 servings.
A Bit of History:
Hot chocolate is one of the oldest drinks in the world. It dates back to around 500 B.C. with the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, who consumed a beverage based on bitter cocoa and spices.
Hot chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 16th century when cocoa was brought to the continent by the Spanish. Initially, it was a drink for the nobility and royalty, enjoyed on special occasions. Over time, it became popular and evolved into different variations, including the addition of milk and sugar, which made it sweeter and creamier.
Nutella, the star ingredient of this recipe, was created in Italy in 1964 by Pietro Ferrero. It was originally developed as an alternative to chocolate, which was scarce and expensive after World War II. The blend of hazelnuts and cocoa was so successful that it became a global icon, used in various recipes, like crepes, toast, and, of course, in our delicious Nutella hot chocolate.
Today, hot chocolate is one of the most beloved drinks worldwide, especially in cold regions. Adding Nutella to hot chocolate is a modern twist that combines the tradition of the classic drink with the unique flavor of this famous hazelnut spread, creating a sensory experience that is hard to resist.