Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Try this easy red velvet hot chocolate recipe with cream cheese, cocoa, and vanilla. Ready in 15 minutes, this rich chocolate drink tastes like liquid red velvet cake. Perfect for cold days!
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 4-6 drops red gel food coloring
- Whipped cream for topping optional
- Cocoa powder or red sugar for garnish optional
Instructions
- Set cream cheese on the counter 30 minutes before starting to bring to room temperature.
- Whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until combined and lump-free.
- Pour milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges but do not let it boil.
- Add the cocoa mixture to the warm milk and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Drop small pieces of softened cream cheese into the hot milk and whisk vigorously for 3 minutes until no white streaks remain and the mixture is completely smooth.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add red food coloring one drop at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach your desired shade of red.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and cocoa powder or red sugar if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.