Sugar Plum White Hot Chocolate with Cotton Candy Whipped Cream

Warm up with a sweet and fun drink that feels like a holiday treat.

INTRODUCTION

Sugar Plum White Hot Chocolate with Cotton Candy Whipped Cream! is a bright and sweet drink. It mixes rich white chocolate with soft plum notes and a fluffy cotton candy whipped cream. This drink looks pretty. It tastes like a party in a cup. You can make it for a cold night or a special treat. If you want more ideas for white hot chocolate at home, check this homemade white hot chocolate recipe for easy tips and flavor ideas.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it is simple and fun. The white chocolate makes the drink smooth and creamy. The cotton candy whipped cream adds a playful sweet cloud on top. The pink color makes it feel special. Kids and adults both enjoy it. It is easy to make in one pot and a bowl. The flavors are gentle and not too strong. You can change the look and toppings to match a party or holiday. This drink is like a warm dessert. If you like rich drinks with soft, sweet toppings, you will enjoy this. This idea borrows the bright look and soft feel that you find in a creamy whipped hot chocolate, but it adds a cotton candy twist.

HOW TO MAKE Sugar Plum White Hot Chocolate with Cotton Candy Whipped Cream!

This cup brings white chocolate and a hint of plum flavor together. The whipped cream uses cotton candy extract and pink color for a sweet cloud. Follow the steps below to make each part. When you heat milk and melt white chocolate, keep the heat low. You want a smooth mix. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and fold in cotton candy flavor. Serve each cup hot and top with the pink whipped cream and purple sprinkles for a fun look. If you need help making whipped cream, try this simple chocolate whipped cream recipe to learn the right texture before you add flavors.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Small saucepan for the hot chocolate
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Mixing bowl for whipped cream
• Electric mixer or whisk for whipping cream
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heatproof mugs
• Spatula for folding
• Small sieve for sprinkles (optional)

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 4 C whole milk
• 1 C Ghirardelli white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 drops of pink food coloring
• 2 C cold heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 C powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cotton candy extract
• 2 drops of pink food coloring
• 1 pouch of purple sprinkles

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Hot Chocolate directions::

1. Pour the 4 cups of whole milk into a small saucepan.
2. Heat the milk over low to medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
3. Add 1 cup of Ghirardelli white chocolate chips to the warm milk.
4. Stir slowly with a whisk or spoon until the chocolate melts and the mix is smooth.
5. Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and stir to blend.
6. Add 2 drops of pink food coloring to make a soft pink color. Stir until the color is even.
7. Keep the hot chocolate warm on low heat until you are ready to serve.

Whipped cream directions:::

1. Pour 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl.
2. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar to the cream.
3. Start to whip the cream with an electric mixer on medium speed, or whisk by hand.
4. When the cream thickens to soft peaks, add 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract.
5. Add 2 drops of pink food coloring and continue to whip until you get medium to stiff peaks. Do not over whip or you will get butter.
6. Fold gently to keep the cream light and airy.
7. Spoon or pipe the pink cotton candy whipped cream onto each cup of hot white chocolate.
8. Sprinkle the pouch of purple sprinkles over the whipped cream for a fun finish.

HOW TO SERVE Sugar Plum White Hot Chocolate with Cotton Candy Whipped Cream!

Serve this drink while it is hot. Pour the white hot chocolate into tall mugs. Add a big scoop of the pink cotton candy whipped cream on top. Let the whipped cream float on the hot drink for a pretty look. Add purple sprinkles on top right before serving. The whipped cream will slowly melt into the warm drink and make a sweet swirl. Use a long spoon or straw to enjoy both whipped cream and chocolate. You can also place a small candy or a sugar plum on the rim for a festive touch.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Sugar Plum White Hot Chocolate with Cotton Candy Whipped Cream!

Store any leftover hot chocolate base in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cool the hot chocolate to room temperature, then place in a covered jar or pitcher. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Do not freeze the whipped cream. Keep any extra cotton candy whipped cream in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container. If the cream loses some volume, briefly whisk it again to fluff it up. Do not freeze the finished drink with whipped cream. If you freeze the hot chocolate base, the texture may change when you thaw it.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Serve with shortbread cookies or sugar cookies to match the sweet theme.
• Add a candy cane or a small sugar plum on the cup edge for a holiday look.
• For a kid’s party, place small marshmallows on top of the whipped cream.
• Use a clear glass mug to show the pink color and white layers.
• For a warm snack, pair with a simple slice of pound cake or a buttery biscuit.
  For a lighter or low-sugar take, try ideas from this low-carb hot chocolate idea and adapt the toppings to your taste.

VARIATIONS

• Plum infused: Add a small spoon of plum jam to the hot chocolate base while it heats. Stir well to dissolve.
• Vanilla extra: Increase vanilla extract for a stronger flavor.
• Sparkle top: Use edible glitter or star sprinkles instead of purple sprinkles.
• Almond twist: Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a nutty hint. Note: the drink will be thinner.
• Dark white mix: Mix half white chocolate chips and half white baking chocolate for a deeper flavor.
  Try a lightly different whipped cream by mixing a drop of almond extract with the cotton candy extract to get a new sweet smell.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other chocolate instead of Ghirardelli white chocolate chips?
A: Yes. You can use any good quality white chocolate. The taste will change with different brands. Pick a brand you like.

Q: Can I make this dairy free?
A: You can try a dairy-free heavy cream and non-dairy milk. The whipped cream may not whip the same. Use a coconut cream that chills well. The flavor will be different.

Q: How can I make the drink less sweet?
A: Use less powdered sugar in the whipped cream and reduce the white chocolate amount. You can add a pinch of salt to the hot chocolate to balance the sweetness.

Q: Can I make the whipped cream by hand?
A: Yes. Use a whisk and a cold bowl. Whisk hard until soft peaks form. This will take more time than an electric mixer.

Q: How do I keep the whipped cream from melting too fast?
A: Serve the whipped cream right after you make it. Chill the mugs before use. Do not put very hot chocolate in the mug first; pour gently to slow melting.

Q: Is cotton candy extract easy to find?
A: You can find it online or at some baking stores. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sugar Plum White Hot Chocolate with Cotton Candy Whipped Cream!

Make the hot chocolate base up to 2 days ahead and cool it in the fridge. Warm gently when you are ready to serve. Do not add whipped cream until the last minute. Make the whipped cream fresh on the day you serve. If you must make it a few hours ahead, keep it chilled in a covered bowl and whisk lightly before using. Measure and prep your sprinkles and food coloring before you start. This saves time when you serve guests. For big groups, keep the hot chocolate in a slow cooker on low to stay warm.

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