Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

Vanilla beans and a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico lend a sophisticated flavor to this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert.

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
YIELD: 22 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 vanilla beans
  • 9 cups whole milk
  • 2-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, divided
  • 1/2 cup Nutella
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup hazelnut liqueur
  • 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
  • Cinnamon sticks, optional

Instructions

  • 1. Split vanilla beans in half lengthwise. With a sharp knife, scrape the beans to remove the seeds. Set seeds aside; discard the beans.
  • 2. In a large saucepan, heat milk and 3/4 cup cream over medium heat just until mixture comes to a simmer. Chop 15 ounces chocolate. In a large heatproof bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, Nutella, sugars, salt and vanilla seeds. Pour warm milk mixture over chocolate mixture. Let stand for 1 minute.
  • 3. Meanwhile, whip remaining cream and shave remaining chocolate. Whisk chocolate mixture until smooth; stir in liqueur. Serve with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 299 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.