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Rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate spiked with Bailey’s Irish Cream and topped off with whipped cream.

As soon as the weather starts getting colder I start thinking of ways to warm up. In addition to turning up the heat and wearing a hoodie every moment I’m not at work, I like to make plenty of hot beverages.

While I start every morning with coffee and usually enjoy a coffee during the day as well whenever I’m home at night I like to have something a little different. This might be hot tea, a tea latte, or some form of hot chocolate.

I’ve been really into making my own hot chocolate lately and my Bailey’s Hot Chocolate is one of my favorite ones to sip on during the weekend. It totally warms me up from the inside and helps to mellow me out.

Ingredients:

cocoa powder
milk (2% or whole)
sugar
chocolate chips
cinnamon
vanilla extract
Bailey’s Irish Cream
whipped cream
caramel sauce or chocolate sauce

Place the cocoa powder and 1/2 cup of the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the cocoa powder is integrated.
Whisk in the remaining milk. Add the sugar and chocolate chips stirring until everything is melted, about 3 minutes. Do not boil.
Remove from heat and whisk in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Divide the hot cocoa between two glasses.
Top with whipped cream and either caramel or chocolate sauce.

Now when I made this recipe I just went with whatever I had in the house. That means I used salted caramel Bailey’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips but you can get creative and use whatever you have.

You can also use a packet of hot cocoa but it won’t be nearly as good. It’s so easy to make your own cocoa for the base of the recipe and it’ll be totally worth it in the end.

Does it matter what kind of cocoa powder I use?

I prefer to use Dutch Process Cocoa because I like the flavor better in hot cocoa but you can use any cocoa powder that you would bake with.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

It depends on your preference. If you like a darker, richer chocolate then use dark chocolate chips. Otherwise I would use semi-sweet or bittersweet chips. However, any chocolate chips that you have opened and at home will work.

It says to use 2% or whole milk. Can I use plant based milk or cream instead?

You can but it will change the flavor. I prefer 2% or whole milk because it has enough fat in it to make a delicious cocoa. However, you can use a plant based milk, it just won’t be as creamy. On the other hand, the cream will make this super thick and creamy.

Can I use water instead of the milk?

You can use water but the cocoa won’t be as rich or as creamy. If you want to use water I would go with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk in order to keep it creamy.

Can I use a different flavor of Bailey’s besides the original?

YES! I actually used the salted caramel Bailey’s in this recipe then drizzled it with caramel. Choose the cinnamon Bailey’s and sprinkle the whipped cream with cinnamon. Get creative and use what you have or like!

This cocoa is amazing. It’s rich, it’s chocolatey, and the Bailey’s really shines through. The whipped cream adds a nice sweetness and the caramel was just the perfect finishing touch. My husband and I sipped on a mug of it last Saturday and it was just a nice midday treat.

You can also make a big batch of this recipe and keep it warm in a slow cooker to serve at a party. Keep whipped cream, chocolate chips, peppermint sticks, candy canes, chocolate sauce, and caramel sauce on the side as toppers and mix ins.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes:

If you’ve tried my Bailey’s Hot Chocolate or any other recipe on Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on: