Hot chocolate + ice cream?! 2 unique recipes for decadent winter drinks

This is not your average hot chocolate!

This is hot chocolate like you’ve never had before! Who says you have to stick to the standard powder packet?

Chelsea McPherson shared two decadent hot chocolate recipes that will keep you warm all winter.

First, let’s clear the air: hot chocolate and hot cocoa are not the same. Hot chocolate is richer and more indulgent, often made with melted chocolate, while hot cocoa is typically made from cocoa powder.

Chelsea’s luxurious hazelnut hot chocolate combines classic European hot chocolate with Nutella for an even richer experience. To make it, simply melt Nutella into your hot chocolate base. You can control the consistency by adding more cream and chocolate for a thicker drink or more milk for a thinner one. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream, crushed Ferrero Rocher pieces, and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.

Chelsea also shared a hot chocolate affogato, a twist on the traditional Italian dessert typically made with espresso and ice cream. In this version, hot chocolate replaces the espresso. It’s like a root beer float, but the root beer is replaced with hot chocolate. Chelsea’s kids love it because the ice cream cools the hot chocolate down, making it drinkable immediately. Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors like peppermint Oreo, banana cream pie, or pumpkin pie.

Chelsea says the local Cloud Ninth Creamery does the affogato right, offering a variety of delicious ice cream flavors to pair with your hot chocolate.

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS

• 3 1/2 cups milk (whole milk is great in this recipe)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz chopped chocolate (milk, dark, or a combination)
• 3/4 cup Nutella
• 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• pinch of sea salt

METHOD

1. Add the milk and cream to a saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently. Don’t turn the heat up too high or you’ll scorch your milk. Keep stirring as the milk heats up.
2. Once the milk is getting hot, add the chopped chocolate and the nutella. Let those melt and dissolve into the milk as you keep stirring.
3. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt! Stir until the cocoa powder is dissolved with no lumps.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, crushed Ferrero Rocher pieces, and chocolate shavings.

Creamy & Classic Hot Chocolate

Pour this creamy and classic hot chocolate over a scoop of ice cream for a hot chocolate affogato.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 3/4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 6 oz chopped chocolate (milk, dark, or a combination)
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder

METHOD

1. Heat the milk and cream over medium heat until warm.
2. Add the chocolate and cocoa powder and whisk until fully combined and hot. Whisk frequently so the milk doesn’t scald.
3. Pour the hot chocolate over a scoop of ice cream and serve immediately.

Find more recipes and inspiration from Chelsea on Instagram, @chels.eats_.