Whether you’re planning a cozy winter night in, looking for a fun treat to celebrate Galentine’s Day, or simply craving something pink and sweet, this Pink Velvet Hot Cocoa is a must-try. With a smooth blend of white chocolate, strawberry milk, and creamy coffee creamer, it’s a comforting, velvety drink that looks as lovely as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Beautiful pink color makes it perfect for themed parties and holidays
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Unique strawberry flavor for a fruity twist on classic cocoa
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Creamy and rich texture with white chocolate
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Great as a gift when packed in jars
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Quick to prepare and easy to store
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Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
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Can be served hot or turned into a pink hot cocoa float
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Only 5 simple ingredients
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Long shelf life when stored properly
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Easily scalable for large batches
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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White chocolate vanilla baking chips
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Powdered coffee creamer
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Strawberry milk drink mix powder
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Mini marshmallows
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2% reduced-fat milk (or your preferred milk)
Directions
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Place white chocolate chips in the freezer for about 2.5 hours (156 minutes).
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Transfer the frozen chips to a blender and blend until finely ground.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground white chocolate, powdered coffee creamer, strawberry milk drink mix, and mini marshmallows.
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Spoon the mixture into three 1-pint jars. Seal with lids and store at room temperature for up to 1 month.
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To serve: Heat 1 cup of milk in a microwave-safe mug until hot.
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Stir in ¼ cup of the cocoa mix until dissolved.
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Top with extra marshmallows if desired and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 18
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk and dairy-free creamer alternatives.
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Extra Pink: Add a drop of pink food coloring for more vibrant color.
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Minty Twist: Add a pinch of crushed peppermint for a refreshing variation.
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Dessert Version: Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and white chocolate shavings.
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Cold Cocoa: Chill the prepared drink and serve over ice.
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Mocha Pink Cocoa: Stir in a spoonful of instant coffee for a caffeinated kick.
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Spiced Cocoa: Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth.
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Vegan Version: Use vegan white chocolate and plant-based milk and creamer.
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Jar Gifts: Package in decorated jars with a tag for gifting.
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Holiday Cheer: Top with heart-shaped marshmallows or seasonal sprinkles.
Storage/Reheating
The dry cocoa mix can be stored in sealed jars at room temperature for up to 1 month.
To serve again, reheat 1 cup of milk in the microwave or on the stovetop, stir in ¼ cup of mix, and enjoy.
Once mixed with milk, refrigerate any leftovers and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor will work to finely grind the white chocolate chips.
Can I make this hot cocoa without freezing the chocolate chips first?
Freezing helps with blending the chips into a fine powder, but you can skip it if your blender is powerful enough.
Is this drink kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Its sweet strawberry flavor and pink color make it a hit with kids.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of powder?
No, the powdered strawberry milk mix is essential for creating a dry, storable cocoa mix.
How do I store the cocoa mix for gifting?
Spoon the mix into airtight jars or food-safe bags and store in a cool, dry place.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, reduce the amount of strawberry mix or white chocolate slightly to lower sweetness.
What if I can’t find white chocolate baking chips?
You can substitute with chopped white chocolate bars, but be sure to grind them well.
Can I make a single serving at a time?
Yes, just heat 1 cup of milk and stir in ¼ cup of the cocoa mix.
What kind of milk works best?
2% milk is ideal for creaminess, but any milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is great for scaling up—just increase each ingredient proportionally.
Conclusion
This Pink Velvet Hot Cocoa is as delightful to sip as it is to look at. Its creamy texture and sweet strawberry-vanilla flavor make it a standout drink for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Whether you’re making it for yourself, sharing it with friends, or packing it up as a thoughtful gift, this pretty pink beverage is sure to warm hearts and taste buds alike.
