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To make this delightful drink, you'll need a few key ingredients: - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - A pinch of fine sea salt These ingredients create a rich base that makes your hot chocolate creamy and flavorful. The cocoa powder gives it that deep chocolate taste, while the sugar balances the flavors perfectly. To elevate your hot chocolate, consider adding these optional ingredients: - ½ cup mini marshmallows - ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies - Edible glitter Mini marshmallows add a fun texture. Crushed peppermint candies give a refreshing twist. Edible glitter is the finishing touch, making your drink sparkle like a snow globe! Presentation is key for this recipe. Use these garnishes to wow your guests: - Whipped cream, for topping - Holiday-shaped cookies or chocolate decorations A generous dollop of whipped cream looks like fresh snow. Adding cookies or chocolate on the rim brings a festive flair. Serve your snow globe hot chocolate in clear mugs to show off all the beautiful layers! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take your medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Set the heat to medium and stir often. Watch for steam but don’t let it boil. This step helps keep the milk smooth and tasty. While the milk heats, get a mixing bowl. Add ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Don’t forget a pinch of fine sea salt! Mix them well. Now, take a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture. Pour it into the bowl while you whisk. Keep whisking until you have a smooth chocolate paste. This step builds rich flavor. Once your paste is smooth, pour it back into the saucepan. Stir it into the warm milk and cream. Whisk until everything is mixed and warm throughout. This usually takes a few minutes. Now, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and stir it gently. If you want some magic, add a sprinkle of edible glitter. It makes your hot chocolate sparkle! Next, pour the hot chocolate into clear glass mugs, filling them halfway. Top with whipped cream, making it puff up high. Then, sprinkle mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies on top. This creates a snowy look inside your mugs. Finally, add holiday-shaped cookies or chocolate decorations for a festive touch. Enjoy your cozy night with this warm treat! To keep your milk from scorching, use low heat. Stir the milk often as it warms. Scorching happens when the milk cooks too fast. If you see steam, that's great! But if it starts to boil, turn down the heat. Always watch it closely. This method helps keep the milk smooth and creamy. For the best whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream. Place your mixing bowl and whisk in the fridge for 10 minutes. This keeps the cream from melting too fast. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Avoid overwhipping, as it can turn into butter. Add a little sugar and vanilla for sweetness. This cream is perfect for topping your hot chocolate! To add sparkle, wait until your hot chocolate is ready. Sprinkle edible glitter on top of the whipped cream. A little goes a long way. The glitter makes your drink look magical and festive. It’s fun to watch it swirl in your hot chocolate. This touch will impress your friends and family! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest hot chocolate. This makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Whisk for Smoothness: Ensure to whisk the cocoa and sugar mixture thoroughly before adding it to the milk to avoid lumps. A smooth chocolate paste will yield a richer drink. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or flavored whipped cream to make your snow globe hot chocolate uniquely yours. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the hot chocolate right after making it. This ensures it’s warm and frothy, keeping the festive spirit alive! {{image_4}} You can switch up the milk in your snow globe hot chocolate. If you want a lighter drink, try almond or oat milk. These options still create a creamy texture. Coconut milk adds a fun tropical twist. For a richer taste, use cashew milk. Each milk changes the flavor a bit, so have fun finding your favorite! Want to spice things up? There are many fun flavors to add! Try a splash of peppermint extract for a minty kick. Hazelnut or caramel syrups also work great. You can even mix in a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty delight. Just remember to taste as you go, and have fun with it! Seasonal ingredients can make this drink even more special. During the fall, add a pinch of pumpkin spice for warmth. In winter, try cinnamon sticks for stirring. For the holidays, mix in some eggnog in place of milk for a festive twist. These seasonal touches keep your hot chocolate fresh and exciting all year round! To store leftover hot chocolate, let it cool first. Pour it into a clean, airtight container. Seal it tightly and place it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply follow the reheating instructions below. To reheat your hot chocolate, pour it into a saucepan. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to prevent scorching. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 30 seconds at a time. Stir between each interval until it's warm. For the ingredients, store them properly to keep them fresh. Here’s how: - Milk and Cream: Keep these in the fridge. Use them within a week of opening. - Cocoa Powder: Store it in a cool, dry place. A sealed container works best. - Sugar: Keep it in a dry spot. A tightly closed jar will keep it fresh. - Vanilla Extract: Store it in a cool, dark place. It lasts a long time. - Marshmallows and Peppermint Candies: Keep them in an airtight container. This prevents them from getting hard. Following these tips will help your Snow Globe Hot Chocolate stay delicious and enjoyable! Yes, you can make Snow Globe Hot Chocolate ahead of time. To do this, prepare the hot chocolate and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it, reheat it gently on the stove. Stir well to mix the flavors again before serving. You can find Snow Globe Hot Chocolate kits at many local stores. Look in the baking or seasonal sections. Online stores like Amazon often have these kits too. They may include cocoa, marshmallows, and fun toppings. This makes it easier to create your cozy drink. Yes, you can make a vegan version of Snow Globe Hot Chocolate. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich taste. Choose vegan marshmallows and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this festive drink! Making Snow Globe Hot Chocolate is fun and easy. We explored key ingredients, optional add-ins, and garnishes to make it special. I shared step-by-step instructions to create the perfect drink, plus tips to help avoid common mistakes. You can also customize it with different flavors and seasonal touches. In the end, this drink warms up cold days and brings joy. Try it out with family and friends. Enjoy the magic of your own Snow Globe Hot Chocolate!

Snow Globe Hot Chocolate

A festive and whimsical hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint for a magical touch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 third cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 half cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • a pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 half cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 quarter cup crushed peppermint candies
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • Edible glitter (optional, for that magical touch)
  • Holiday-shaped cookies or chocolate decorations, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Start by pouring the whole milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it until it’s steaming nicely but not boiling—this is important to prevent scorching.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of fine sea salt until well combined. Gradually add a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture to this bowl while whisking vigorously to create a smooth chocolate paste.
  • Once the paste is smooth, pour it back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream mixture. Whisk continuously until everything is beautifully combined and warmed through—this can take a couple of minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the pure vanilla extract. For an extra dose of festivity, you may add a sprinkle of edible glitter at this point—watch your hot chocolate transform into a sparkling delight!
  • To assemble your snow globe hot chocolate, pour the rich and decadent hot chocolate into clear glass mugs, filling each about halfway.
  • Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream, allowing it to puff up high like freshly fallen snow.
  • Sprinkle a delightful handful of mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies over the whipped cream, reminiscent of a snowy landscape within your glass—perfect for that snow globe aesthetic!
  • Finish it off by garnishing with holiday-shaped cookies or delectable chocolate decorations perched on the rim or nestled in the cream for that extra festive charm.

Notes

Serve with festive straws or spoons for an enhanced experience.
Keyword festive beverage, holiday drink, hot chocolate