If you love red velvet cake, this one’s a no-brainer. Red Velvet Hot Cocoa is rich, creamy, and has that classic hint of chocolate with a subtle vanilla sweetness. It’s basically hot chocolate leveled up—smoother, a little fancier, and absolutely perfect for a cozy night in, Valentine’s Day, or a fun Galentine’s get-together.
The best part? No complicated ingredients, no melting chocolate on the stove for an hour. Just a few simple ingredients, one pot, and about five minutes of effort.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- Tastes like red velvet cake in a mug. Creamy, chocolatey, with just the right amount of vanilla.
- Looks gorgeous. That deep red color makes it perfect for holiday vibes or a cute Instagram post.
- So easy to make. One pot, one whisk, and you’re good to go.
Tasting Notes
- Flavor: Rich cocoa with a smooth vanilla and buttermilk-like sweetness
- Texture: Thick, creamy, and silky
- Sweetness Level: Just right—not too sugary
- Best Served In: A big cozy mug with whipped cream on top
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (whole or oat milk for extra creaminess)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp red food coloring
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream & red velvet cake crumbs (for garnish, optional but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Heat the milk. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Melt the chocolate. Add the white chocolate chips and whisk until melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the good stuff. Stir in cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and red food coloring until everything is well combined.
- Serve it up. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
- Want it extra thick? Replace half the milk with heavy cream.
- No food coloring? Skip it! It won’t be red, but it’ll still taste amazing.
- Dairy-free version? Use oat milk and dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- Make it boozy. A splash of Baileys or vanilla vodka turns this into a next-level winter cocktail.
Variations to Try
- Dark Chocolate Red Velvet Cocoa: Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Iced Red Velvet Cocoa: Cool it down and pour over ice for a fun twist.
- Mocha Red Velvet: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeine kick.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep it warm on the stove and whisk occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk before serving.
What’s the best milk to use?
Whole milk makes it super creamy, but oat milk is a great dairy-free option. Skim or almond milk works too, but won’t be as thick.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! It won’t be as true to the “red velvet” flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.
Made this for a movie night, and let’s just say it disappeared fast. It’s cozy, rich, and feels like a warm hug in a mug. Pairs perfectly with cookies, brownies, or just a fuzzy blanket and a good rom-com.
Creamy Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Description
A rich and creamy Red Velvet Hot Cocoa made with cocoa, white chocolate, and vanilla for a smooth, decadent drink.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Heat milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
-
Add white chocolate chips and whisk until melted and smooth.
-
Stir in cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, salt, and food coloring.
-
Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and cake crumbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories:250kcal
Note
- Use whole or oat milk for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- For a richer drink, swap half the milk for heavy cream.
