Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe - Easy! Recipe

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4.54

15 minutes mins

15 Comments

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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 01/19/2015Updated: 11/26/2023

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This orange hot chocolate recipe is easy to make – you’ll be sipping flavorful, rich, creamy hot chocolate in less than 15 minutes.

Why you’ll love this orange hot chocolate

Indulgent Treat: January – it doesn’t have to be all about salads. There is nothing better, NOTHING better than warming up with some hot chocolate after being out in the snow. Hot chocolate is a perfect beverage following snowman building and snow angel making.
Fun to Share: I have a small mug, a little bigger than an espresso mug,that my daughter drinks cocoa out of. It’s such a special treat and she just glows and smiles ear-to-ear when she gets to enjoy a cup of cocoa with her mom and dad.
Quality Ingredients: We’re not talking about a packet of powder that you open up and mix with water here. Oh no no. This is the good stuff. Creamy milk, slowly warmed and then poured over high-quality dark chocolate. If you’re going to treat yourself to hot cocoa, make it worth it.
Unique: This particular hot chocolate is made extra special thanks to a few strips of orange peel. The orange and chocolate combination works so well together. The orange brightens things up just enough to prevent this beverage from feeling too rich.

Make it your own

I add a bit of powdered sugar to my cocoa. Depending on the type of chocolate you use and how sweet you like your cocoa, you may be able to omit the sugar … or you might want to increase it a touch. You can always add more but you can’t remove it, so start with a small amount and work your way up from there according to your tastes.

More Warm Drinks

Looking for more creamy drinks to keep you warm all winter long? Try:

Easy hot chocolate (with lactose-free ideas)
Ginger spiced hot chocolate
Hot white Russian recipe
Pop Rocks Hot Cocoa Bombs — if you’ve heard all the buzz, you’ll want to try these hot cocoa bombs!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe

4.54 from 15 votes

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

▢ 1 1/2 cups whole milk
▢ 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
▢ 2-3 strips of orange peel (try to get as little of the white part of the orange as possible
▢ 1 ounce dark chocolate (I used 72%)
▢ Optional toppings: whipped cream, shaved chocolate, orange zest

Instructions

Combine milk, sugar, orange peel in a small sauce pan and place over medium heat.
In a small bowl break the chocolate up into small pieces.
Stir milk frequently and heat until hot but not boiling. Pour hot milk over chocolate and stir until chocolate is melted.
Serve topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and orange zest.

Notes

Note: If chocolate does not melt well (if it seizes), you can save it by blending it in a blender.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 194kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 78mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 19g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
December 7, 2015 at 7:51 am
This sounds fabulous, Rachel! I love the combo of chocolate and orange. Can’t wait to try it!
Reply
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 20, 2015 at 10:16 am
I love the bit of citrus with the warm, chocolaty goodness!
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Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
January 19, 2015 at 8:35 pm
Yum, what a fan twist on hot chocolate :)
Reply
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
January 19, 2015 at 8:07 pm
Sounds & looks perfect! I have some remaining oranges in the backyard – need to whip this up!
Reply
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
January 19, 2015 at 11:06 am
This is gorgeous! That fresh orange zest is such a great touch!
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Amy @Very Culinary says
January 19, 2015 at 10:43 am
YES. 1,000x yes.
Reply
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty says
January 19, 2015 at 10:33 am
My daughter wouldn’t touch hot chocolate with a 10-foot pole until I finally tried making a super-rich variety with melted chocolate and a little heavy whipping cream! Now she loves it – but when I suggested making it when it *wasn’t* snowing she did not approve. It can only be consumed after being outside in the snow. Good rule, I guess! :) This version looks fabulous – love orange and chocolate together. So cozy.
Reply
denise says
January 19, 2015 at 10:25 am
sounds good!
Reply
Deborah says
January 19, 2015 at 10:24 am
I think hot chocolate is one of my kids’ favorite things about winter. I can’t wait to make this for them!!
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Lauren says
January 19, 2015 at 9:59 am
That is gorgeous! And I know just the person who would love this. Thanks Rachel :)
Reply
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
January 19, 2015 at 8:53 am
That warm, chocolatey deliciousness is perfect on a cold winter day. Pass me a glass please!
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Liz+@+The+Lemon+Bowl says
January 19, 2015 at 8:51 am
Love the bright citrus in this!
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Melanie | Melanie Makes says
January 19, 2015 at 8:34 am
This looks perfect for a day off from school like today, Rachel!
Reply
Sues says
January 19, 2015 at 7:44 am
All I want right now is a giant mug of this (and my couch with a blanket)!
Reply
Liz says
January 19, 2015 at 6:32 am
Swooning—so rich and decadent! Perfect for a mid January warm up from the inside out :)
Reply

Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe - Easy! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)