Gingerbread Spiced Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe - WonkyWonderful (2024)

FAQs

How do you spice up hot cocoa? ›

Is your packaged hot cocoa mix leaving a little to be desired? Add more flavor by stirring in a teaspoon or two of baking cocoa or even stirring in a little chocolate syrup. This will amp up the chocolatiness and make it the perfect vehicle for all those marshmallows.

Cocoa Powder: Hot chocolate starts with cocoa powder, which provides a chocolatey flavour. However, hot chocolate mix is distinct from plain cocoa powder, as it often contains added sugar, powdered milk, and sometimes additional flavourings like vanilla or spices.

In short, you can use hot chocolate powder as a cocoa powder substitute in a pinch, but you may not experience the depth of flavour you want. Because most brands of hot chocolate powder include sugar or sweetener, you may wish to reduce the amount of sugar you add to your baking recipe.

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

Other than water, the most common to use are hot coffee, milk, oil, or melted butter. I wouldn't try it with buttermilk though, or it will curdle. Note that blooming cocoa won't work in recipes that don't have enough liquid ingredients to saturate the cocoa powder (at least 1:1 by volume, but there is some leeway).

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

However, when added to cold milk, the powder does not dissolve properly and results in a clumpy and gritty texture. This is because the cocoa powder needs heat to fully dissolve and release its flavor.

The answer to this is highly subjective, however, we prefer natural cocoa powder for its higher cocoa butter content (more fat equals more flavor). We recommend trying out cocoa powders from GERBS, Sunfood Superfoods, Penzeys, and Pure Natural Miracles, all of which are available online.

Caffè mocha, in its most basic formulation, can also be referred to as hot chocolate with (e.g., a shot of) espresso added. Like cappuccino, caffè mochas typically contain the distinctive milk froth on top; as is common with hot chocolate, they are sometimes served with whipped cream instead.

Does cocoa powder go bad? ›

Your cocoa powder will have a 'best-before' date on it. The taste might start to gradually mellow after that date or it might go a bit 'clumpy', but it's unlikely you'll notice much difference. It's still safe to eat as long as it doesn't feel moist or smell unpleasant.

Rather than grocery store brands, which are often low in fat and quite astringent, look for full-fat cocoa powders from brands like Valrhona, which can offer a deep, rich flavor instead. After dusting, add another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

Consuming expired hot chocolate powder can potentially make you ill, although it's relatively rare if the product has been stored correctly. Hot chocolate powder usually has a long shelf life and often remains safe to consume after its best-before date, but its flavour and texture might be compromised.

Yes you could, as long as the cocoa and milk powder have dissolved well in the hot water before you add the milk.

Spiked hot chocolate is regular hot chocolate that's spiked with alcohol. Common types of alcohol include bourbon, rum, Baileys, or Kahlua, but really anything goes. You can use a purchased hot cocoa mix, but of course the best way to make this drink is with homemade hot chocolate.

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.