Cinnamon-Orange Infused Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
A cozy hot chocolate drink infused with bright orange zest and warming cinnamon, topped with a fluffy homemade whipped cream. This recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together whole milk, bittersweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (from 1 medium orange) orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups whole milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling (around 180°F), about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chips, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest to the milk. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and hot, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: In a chilled bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with 1 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Step 4: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with a generous dollop of the whipped cream. Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon or a small strip of orange zest if desired.








