Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe – Easy!
Posted: 01/19/2015
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This orange hot chocolate recipe is easy to make – you’ll be sipping flavorful, rich, creamy hot chocolate in less than 15 minutes.
January – it doesn’t have to be all about salads. There is nothing better, NOTHING better than warming up with some hot chocolate after being out in the snow. Hot chocolate is a perfect beverage following snowman building and snow angel making.
Maybe you just spent an hour shoveling heavy snow. It might be because our house is still fairly new to us or maybe it’s the west Michigan girl in me, but I really enjoy shoveling. You can see the work you’ve done and as a bonus, it’s a great workout. And you can go inside and warm up with hot chocolate.
I have a small mug, a little bigger than an espresso mug, that E drinks cocoa out of. It’s such a special treat and she just glows and smiles ear-to-ear when she gets to enjoy a cup of cocoa with her mom and dad.
About this Orange Hot Chocolate
We’re not talking about a packet of powder that you open up and mix with water here. Oh no no. This is the good stuff. Creamy milk, slowly warmed and then poured over high-quality dark chocolate. If you’re going to treat yourself to hot cocoa, make it worth it.
This particular hot chocolate is made extra special thanks to a few strips of orange peel. The orange and chocolate combination works so well together. The orange brightens things up just enough to prevent this beverage from feeling too rich.
I add a bit of powdered sugar to my cocoa. Depending on the type of chocolate you use and how sweet you like your cocoa, you may be able to omit the sugar … or you might want to increase it a touch. You can always add more but you can’t remove it, so start with a small amount and work your way up from there according to your tastes.
Stay warm…and enjoy!
Loving this orange hot chocolate?
Looking for more creamy drinks to keep you warm all winter long? Try:
- Caramel cappuccino mix
- Cardamom-vanilla tea latte
- Stout hot chocolate
- Easy hot chocolate (with lactose-free ideas)
- Ginger spiced hot chocolate
- Hot white Russian recipe
- Pop Rocks Hot Cocoa Bombs — if you’ve heard all the buzz, you’ll want to try these hot cocoa bombs!
- or check out this list of FIFTY hot chocolate recipes!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
This orange hot chocolate recipe is easy to make – you’ll be sipping flavorful, rich, creamy hot chocolate in less than 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 2-3 strips of orange peel (try to get as little of the white part of the orange as possible
- 1 ounce dark chocolate (I used 72%)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, shaved chocolate, orange zest
Instructions
- Combine milk, sugar, orange peel in a small sauce pan and place over medium heat.
- In a small bowl break the chocolate up into small pieces.
- Stir milk frequently and heat until hot but not boiling. Pour hot milk over chocolate and stir until chocolate is melted.
- Serve topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and orange zest.
Notes
Note: If chocolate does not melt well (if it seizes), you can save it by blending it in a blender.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1cup, Calories: 194kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 78mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 19g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
This sounds fabulous, Rachel! I love the combo of chocolate and orange. Can’t wait to try it!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I love the bit of citrus with the warm, chocolaty goodness!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Yum, what a fan twist on hot chocolate :)
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Sounds & looks perfect! I have some remaining oranges in the backyard – need to whip this up!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
This is gorgeous! That fresh orange zest is such a great touch!
Amy @Very Culinary says
YES. 1,000x yes.
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty says
My daughter wouldn’t touch hot chocolate with a 10-foot pole until I finally tried making a super-rich variety with melted chocolate and a little heavy whipping cream! Now she loves it – but when I suggested making it when it *wasn’t* snowing she did not approve. It can only be consumed after being outside in the snow. Good rule, I guess! :) This version looks fabulous – love orange and chocolate together. So cozy.
denise says
sounds good!
Deborah says
I think hot chocolate is one of my kids’ favorite things about winter. I can’t wait to make this for them!!
Lauren says
That is gorgeous! And I know just the person who would love this. Thanks Rachel :)
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
That warm, chocolatey deliciousness is perfect on a cold winter day. Pass me a glass please!
Liz+@+The+Lemon+Bowl says
Love the bright citrus in this!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
This looks perfect for a day off from school like today, Rachel!
Sues says
All I want right now is a giant mug of this (and my couch with a blanket)!
Liz says
Swooning—so rich and decadent! Perfect for a mid January warm up from the inside out :)