Warm up your holiday season with the perfect blend of maple and pecan.
When the chill of the holiday season sets in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of hot cocoa. But why settle for the usual when you can elevate your cocoa game with a touch of maple sweetness and the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans? This Maple Pecan Hot Cocoa is a hug in a mug, perfect for snuggling up by the fireplace or wowing your guests at holiday gatherings.
Maple Pecan Hot Chocolate
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sugar adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans chopped
Instructions
Toast the Pecans:
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Start by toasting your pecans. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Heat the Milk:
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In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat. Be careful not to let it boil – we’re going for cozy, not scalding.
Mix the Cocoa:
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Whisk in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and all the cocoa powder is dissolved. This is where the magic begins, as the rich aroma of chocolate and maple fills your kitchen.
Serve It Up:
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Pour the hot cocoa into your favorite mug. Top it generously with whipped cream, sprinkle the toasted pecans on top, and maybe even drizzle a little extra maple syrup for good measure.
