Spiked Hot Chocolate: Crispy golden perfection.

A Cozy Evening Treat

There’s nothing like a warm mug on a cold night. This hot chocolate is my favorite. It feels like a warm hug from the inside.

I love making this for my book club. We sip and talk for hours. It makes a simple night feel so special.

A Little Kitchen Story

I first made this for my grandson last winter. He said it tasted like a fancy dessert. I still laugh at that.

He asked for a second mug right away. That is the best compliment a grandma can get. It told me the recipe was a keeper.

Why The Little Things Matter

Using two kinds of chocolate makes it rich. The dark chocolate gives a deep flavor. The white chocolate makes it sweet and creamy.

This matters because balance is important. In food and in life, a little of both is nice. It keeps things interesting.

What is your favorite cozy drink? Is it tea, cocoa, or something else? Tell me about it.

The Secret Ingredient

The walnut liqueur adds a nutty taste. It is the grown-up part of the drink. It makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

You can use any flavor you like. The recipe is very forgiving. That is why I love it so much.

Fun fact: The first chocolate drinks were bitter and spicy! They were nothing like our sweet version today.

Making the Creamy Topping

The whipped cream on top is the best part. I add a touch of maple syrup. It gives it a lovely, gentle sweetness.

Whipping it by hand is a small job. But it makes the treat feel extra special. Taking a little extra care matters.

Do you like marshmallows or whipped cream on your hot chocolate? I can never decide!

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This recipe is quick to make. You can have it ready in about fifteen minutes. It is perfect for a last-minute treat.

Share a picture if you make it. I would love to see your cozy creation. What special touch would you add?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
whole milk	2 cups	For the Hot Chocolate
cornstarch	½ teaspoon
dark chocolate chips	⅓ cup
white chocolate chips	¼ cup
North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur	2 ounces
heavy cream	⅓ cup	For the Whipped Cream
North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur	2 tablespoon
confectioners sugar	½ teaspoon
mapple syrup	½ teaspoon

My Cozy Spiked Hot Chocolate

Hello, my dear! Come sit with me. The wind is howling outside today. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. She always made the best hot chocolate. Hers was simple, just cocoa and milk. But she would tell the best stories while it warmed on the stove. I can still smell it now. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

My version is a little more grown-up, but just as cozy. We use two kinds of chocolate for a super rich taste. The secret is a splash of walnut liqueur. It adds a lovely, nutty warmth. This drink feels like a big, warm hug from the inside. Let’s make some together.

Step 1: Grab a medium saucepan. Pour in your milk. Now, add that little bit of cornstarch. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth. No one wants lumpy hot chocolate! I learned that the hard way. (A hard-learned tip: whisk the cornstarch in before the milk gets warm. It mixes in much better that way.)

Step 2: Place the saucepan on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-high. You need to stir it quite often. Use a wooden spoon if you have one. I like the sound it makes. Keep stirring until you see little bubbles form around the edge. That means it’s ready.

Step 3: Take the pan off the heat. Now, pour in all your chocolate chips. The dark and the white ones! Stir, stir, stir until they melt completely. It becomes so silky and beautiful. This is my favorite part. Do you like dark chocolate or milk chocolate more? Share below!

Step 4: Time for the special part. Pour in the walnut liqueur. It makes the whole kitchen smell like a holiday. Give it one last good stir. You can taste it with a spoon to see if it’s perfect. I still laugh at how my husband always volunteers for this job.

Step 5: Let’s make the whipped cream! Get a small, cold bowl. Put the heavy cream, a bit more liqueur, the sugar, and maple syrup inside. Now, whip it with a whisk until it gets fluffy. It takes a little arm power, but it’s worth it. You’ll see soft peaks form.

Step 6: Pour your hot chocolate into two big mugs. Be careful, they are hot! Spoon a big cloud of your maple whipped cream on top. You could use marshmallows too. I won’t tell! Then, find a cozy spot to enjoy.

Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 15mins
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Drink, Dessert

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is wonderful as it is. But it’s also fun to play with! You can change it up for different days and moods. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. They are all so simple.

Minty Fresh: Use a peppermint liqueur instead of the walnut one. It tastes like a candy cane in a cup! Top it with a small candy cane for stirring.

Orange Dream: Add a strip of orange peel to the milk as it heats. The citrus smell will fill your kitchen. It’s so bright and happy.

Cookie Crumble: Skip the liqueur. Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Top your drink with crushed-up chocolate cookies. The kids love this one.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Cozy Setup

This hot chocolate is a treat all by itself. But you can make it a real event. I love serving it with a plate of shortbread cookies. They are perfect for dipping. A small bowl of roasted nuts is nice too. It adds a little salty crunch.

For a full cozy drink menu, you have options. A nice cup of coffee pairs beautifully with the chocolate. For a non-alcoholic version, a cold glass of milk is a classic. It cuts the richness just right. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cozy Hot Chocolate Perfect

This hot chocolate is best enjoyed right away. But you can save the plain mix for later. Let it cool completely first. Then pour it into a jar and put it in the fridge. It will be good for two days.

When you want a warm cup, reheat it gently on the stove. Use low heat and stir it often. I once reheated it too fast. The milk got a funny skin on top. Slow and steady is the way to go.

Batch cooking this mix saves you time on busy days. Making a double batch means more cozy moments. This matters because a ready treat makes any day feel special. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Hot Chocolate Hiccups

Is your chocolate not melting smoothly? Your heat might be too high. Always take the pot off the burner before adding the chips. Stir until everything is silky and combined.

Is your whipped cream too runny? Make sure your cream is very cold. I remember my first time, I used warm cream. It just would not get fluffy. A cold bowl helps a lot, too.

Does it taste too sweet for you? You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavor just right for you. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Hot Chocolate Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always check your labels to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: You can make the base mix two days ahead. Store it in the fridge.

Q: What if I do not have walnut liqueur?
A: You can use any flavor you like. A dash of vanilla extract works well too.

Q: Can I make more for a crowd?
A: Absolutely. Just double or triple all the ingredients in your biggest pot.

Q: Are marshmallows a good topping?
A: Of course. I love a fluffy marshmallow on top. Fun fact: Toasting them lightly first is my secret. Which tip will you try first?

A Final Cozy Thought from My Kitchen

I hope this recipe warms your heart and your hands. It is one of my favorite little treats. I love sharing these kitchen stories with you.

If you make this, I would love to see it. Your creations make me so happy. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I cannot wait to see your cozy mugs.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.