This Grinch Hot Chocolate is a fun twist on a cozy favorite! It’s rich, creamy, and topped with green whipped cream to match the Grinchy spirit. Perfect for the holidays!
Making this hot chocolate is as easy as a quick stir. I love serving it at holiday gatherings—everyone loves its festive color and delicious taste! You’ll feel joyful sipping this one! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can use any milk you like! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are great alternatives for those who prefer dairy-free options.
White Chocolate: Chopped white chocolate works best for smooth results, but white chocolate chips are okay too! If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, consider sugar-free white chocolate.
Matcha Green Tea Powder: This is what gives the drink its Grinchy green color. If you don’t have matcha, you can use green food coloring, but you’ll lose the matcha flavor.
Heavy Cream: For whipping, heavy cream is ideal because it whips up nicely. If you want a lighter version, you can use light whipping cream but it may not hold peaks as well.
Candy Garnish: Crushed peppermint candy gives a nice pop of flavor. You can also use crushed strawberries or raspberries for a fruity touch if you prefer something different.
How Can I Make Sure My Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a smooth and creamy hot chocolate is careful mixing. Here are some steps to ensure success:
- When adding the white chocolate to warm milk, make sure the milk isn’t boiling. Too much heat can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy.
- Whisk the matcha with a small amount of warm milk first. This helps dissolve any lumps and incorporates it smoothly into the hot chocolate.
- Stir continuously while heating the mixture after combining ingredients. This prevents the chocolate from sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
Using these tips, your Grinch Hot Chocolate will turn out perfectly creamy and delightful for the holidays!
Grinch Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp matcha green tea powder (for vibrant green color and subtle flavor)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Green food coloring (optional, for more vivid green whipped cream)
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed red candy (such as peppermint or red sanding sugar) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and make. You won’t need any chilling or waiting time, so you can enjoy this delightful hot chocolate right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Matcha:
Start by taking a small bowl and whisk the matcha green tea powder with about 2 tablespoons of warm milk until it’s smooth and lump-free. This will help the matcha mix better into the hot chocolate later. Once it’s smooth, set it aside.
2. Heat the Milk:
Next, take a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Pour in the remaining milk. Heat it until it’s hot, but be careful not to let it boil!
3. Melt the White Chocolate:
Once the milk is hot, add the chopped white chocolate to the pan. Stir it continuously until it melts completely and makes a smooth mix.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in the prepared matcha mixture and the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate milk. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes to combine everything well and heat it through.
5. Serve It Up:
Pour the delicious hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. It should look lovely and creamy!
6. Make the Whipped Cream:
In a mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whip it until soft peaks form. If you like, add a few drops of green food coloring and gently fold it in until the whipped cream is a cheerful green!
7. Top it Off:
Add a generous dollop of the green whipped cream on top of each mug of hot chocolate!
8. Add Some Fun:
Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the whipped cream for some extra sweetness and fluffiness.
9. Finish with a Festive Touch:
Finally, sprinkle some crushed red candy or red sanding sugar for a beautiful and festive look!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Grinch Hot Chocolate immediately and enjoy every delicious sip of this festive treat!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used in place of whole milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly depending on the milk you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Matcha Powder?
If you don’t have matcha powder, you can skip it and add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve that festive green color. However, this will omit the subtle flavor that matcha provides.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
It’s best to enjoy this hot chocolate fresh, but you can prepare the chocolate milk in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving and prepare the whipped cream fresh for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover hot chocolate, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
