Unlock a Wickes Kitchen

Hot chocolate

Our decadent hot chocolate recipe is simple to make and sensational to drink. Perfect as a winter warmer, you can make this as a delicious treat for the children or spike it just for the adults.

Ingredients: Hot chocolate

  • 1l whole or semi-skimmed milk
  • 2-3 pieces of cinnamon bark
  • 2tbsp golden unrefined caster sugar
  • 1tsp vanilla extract
  • 300g good quality dark chocolate (around 70%)
  • 1 pinch of sea salt
  • A handful of mini marshmallows
  • Amaretto (optional)
  • Espresso (optional)

In one saucepan, put the milk, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla extract. Bring this to a simmer, set a timer for 10 minutes, then turn the heat off and remove the cinnamon bark.

Break the chocolate into pieces and place directly into the bottom of a second saucepan. Set the heat on your induction hob to 1 or 2, set a timer for 15 minutes, and lock the hob so the heat can't be changed. After 15 minutes stir the chocolate and it will be a silky liquid.

If you do not have an induction hob, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over boiling water to prevent the chocolate from burning.

Take the slightly cooled cinnamon and vanilla milk and pour it into the melted chocolate, whisking gently until you get a silky smooth hot chocolate mixture.

Finally, add a pinch of sea salt and whisk gently again to bring out the rich chocolate notes.

Serving: Kids' hot chocolate with mini marshmallows

Pour into a mug, float some mini marshmallows on top and enjoy.

For an extra treat, try whipped cream on top, but beware, this will get messy!

Try adding a mini indoor sparkler into the drink and light it just before serving - making sure not to drink it before the sparkler has finished and been removed from the mug. Adult supervision is required.

Serving: Adults' hot chocolate with amaretto

Add a 25 or 50ml shot of amaretto (or your favourite liqueur) to your coffee cup.

For an extra kick, add a shot of espresso to your cup before pouring in the hot chocolate.