Winter Warmth Vanilla Cloud (Print Version)

Fluffy vanilla hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and melting chocolate chips for winter warmth.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Hot Vanilla Base

01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Whipped Cream Cloud

06 - 1/2 cup chilled heavy cream
07 - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Chocolate Chips

09 - 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Combine whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming but not boiling, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the hot mixture and continue heating until chips begin to melt, creating a marbled effect. Remove from heat.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
04 - Divide the hot vanilla mixture evenly into two large mugs.
05 - Top each mug generously with whipped cream clouds.
06 - Sprinkle additional semi-sweet chocolate chips over the whipped cream and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like drinking a vanilla cupcake, but warmer and less guilty.
  • The whipped cream doesn't just sit on top, it melts into sweet, creamy swirls with every sip.
  • You can make it in under 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
  • It's fancy enough to impress someone, but easy enough to make in pajamas.
02 -
  • If you let the milk boil, it'll form a skin on top and taste scorched, so keep the heat low and patient.
  • Cold cream whips in half the time, and if your kitchen is warm, chill the bowl and beaters too.
  • Don't stir the chocolate chips too much once they're in, let them melt lazily for that marbled, dreamy look.
03 -
  • Make the whipped cream first and keep it chilled so it stays thick and cloudlike while you heat the base.
  • If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel over the whipped cream before adding the chips.
  • Serve this in clear mugs if you have them, watching the chocolate swirl through the cream is half the magic.

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