Winter's tendency for overcast skies calls for flannel blanket throws, crackling fires, and hot cocoa drinks. Hand-warming, chocolatey, and sweet—what's not to love about hot cocoa? Here's hoping that the challenge of sipping at the edges of a mug while trying not to gobble the marshmallow floaties all in one go is the most vexing activity you have this winter.
While making a mug of hot cocoa with cacao powder can be a winter-time treat to yourself—making it with our rich high-fat version will transform it from a treat into a bit of luxury.
In addition to using cacao powder to elevate hot cocoa drinks, this luscious high-fat powder can bring a new depth of flavor to many recipes. So while you sit, sip, and watch the snow fall, we hope to entice you with a collection of recipes that show you other ways to use this decadent ingredient.
Curling up and getting cozy with a cuppa? Is it your bergamot-flavored favorite? Here's a sweet treat to savor alongside your drink: Earl Grey Moonlight Truffles. These milk chocolate ganache treats have subtle citrus notes from an ingenious infusion of Adagio's tea into the cream.
Notes from chocolatier Amy Carson about her recipe and process: "I tried making these first with dark chocolate, but the result was too bitter and masked the subtle aromas of the tea. Instead, milk chocolate ended up being a perfect choice, as it brings out the cream and vanilla flavors, and allows the citrus notes to shine. This particular cacao powder is bright and fruity, so it complements the other flavors as well. The texture is silky-smooth, and the flavor is divine!"
If you are missing the smell of chestnuts on the open fire, here's an excuse to fill your kitchen with the savory aroma of toasted nuts. Toasting walnuts decreases bitterness and accentuates their richness. Note that there's a catch when taking on this recipe task — you'll want to stay close by the stove while they brown. Walnuts can burn quickly.
Building on this aromatic first step, this shortbread cookie recipe yields crumbly, buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Enjoy its decadence with a coffee in the morning or with a tea in the afternoon.
It's a shame to reserve maple syrup for mornings only. Sugar-on-snow winter celebrations are one of the rare occurrences where maple syrup gets to make an appearance outside of breakfast, but here's another: Maple Cacao Spiced Pecans. Incorporating maple syrup into this snack gives us a new way to celebrate this favorite flavor of winter any time of day.
Maple syrup paired with cacao powder, cinnamon, and cayenne make this easy recipe is a sweet, salty, and spicy treat to nosh on after (or during) your snow excursions. Serve them with hot tea!
Here's a bit of cake that you don't have to bake. This is a bite-sized treat, perfect for when you want a bit of sweet but not a whole dessert.
The rum kick gives it a boozy warmth that pairs well with hot drinks in winter. The options for toppings are endless and you can make this goody complete with whatever taste or texture you crave. Try nuts, coconut flakes, powdered sugar, sprinkles, cinnamon-sugar, or even more cacao powder.
Ooey and gooey, this Molten Lava Cake recipe doubles down on the chocolatey flavors it delivers. Our high fat cacao powder gives the crumb a moist and decadent texture while the melted bittersweet chocolate center oozes smooth cocoa deliciousness onto your plate.
Try this dessert on Valentine's Day, treat someone special to you to some chocolate love. Or share it with them while watching Netflix. Or gobble it up yourself. There's no judgement.
Satisfy your cravings for something warm and comforting with our velvety hot chocolate recipe spiked with a touch of spiced rum. Let the rich, high-fat cacao powder and the perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne take over your senses, warming your belly and your toes. The magical flavors of the spices and the spicy kick of the cayenne make this drink an irresistible indulgence. Perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with friends, nothing will soothe your soul like our spiced rum cocoa recipe.
This Lavender Hot Chocolate recipe is refined and elegant experience while still being a chocolatey treat. Made with rich, high-fat cacao powder and infused with a hint of lavender, this delicious recipe offers a unique and sophisticated twist on a classic treat. The delicate floral notes of lavender perfectly complement the rich chocolate flavor, creating a truly indulgent experience. Garnished with a sprinkle of dried lavender, this recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Indulge in a creamy, tropical twist on hot chocolate with our Coconut, Vanilla, and Maple Hot Chocolate recipe. Made with rich, high-fat cacao powder, this recipe is sweetened with pure, natural maple syrup, giving you a deliciously rich and authentic chocolate taste. The addition of full fat coconut milk lends a creamy, dreamy texture to the drink and the hint of coconut flavor perfectly complements the vanilla and chocolate. The optional garnish of cacao nibs adds a nice crunchy texture and a bit of bitterness to balance out the sweetness of the drink. A different take for a cozy night in or for a special occasion.
GET THE RECIPE for COCONUT, VANILLA, AND MAPLE HOT CHOCOLATE
This recipe is elevated by the addition of the earthy and slightly citrusy flavor of cardamom, which deepens the complexity of the chocolate's sweet profile. The light floral notes of rose petals and rose water perfectly complement the cardamom's astringency, creating a truly indulgent experience. The high-fat cacao powder in this recipe not only adds to the rich and authentic chocolate taste but also gives the drink a creamier and more satisfying texture.
GET THE RECIPE for HOT CHOCOLATE INFUSED WITH CARDAMOM AND ROSE