Must-Have Chocolate Indulgences

The weather outside is frightful…wait, no it’s not. The weather in Scottsdale is downright delightful! However, this is the perfect time of the year to indulge in a steamy mug of chocolate heaven, wouldn’t you say? Our evenings are chilly and we’ve been waiting all year for an excuse to cozy up by our fire pit to delight in the dancing flames and star-filled night skies. Here, we’ve gathered three gourmet hot cocoa recipes that are as photo worthy as they are decadently delicious! Enjoy!

PUMPKIN PIE WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE

Makes: 4 servings

3 cups whole milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
dash of cloves
dash of nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 ounces white chocolate, roughly chopped

In a medium saucepan, heat milk, pumpkin puree, spices, and vanilla on medium-low heat. Don’t bring it to a boil. Add the white chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon. therecipecritic.com

PEANUT BUTTER HOT CHOCOLATE

Makes: 2 servings

1½ cups whole milk
½ cup semisweet chocolate morsels
¼ cup creamy peanut butter

For topping:
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon Truvia sweetener
Chocolate syrup
2 tablespoons melted peanut butter

Add milk, chocolate morsels and peanut butter into your high-speed blender. Process on high for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is hot and frothy. While your hot chocolate is processing make whipped cream. In the bowl of an electric mixer add whipping cream and sweetener. Whip until the mixture has reached soft peaks. Top hot chocolate with equal amount of whipped cream and drizzle of chocolate syrup and melted peanut butter. nutmegnanny.com

NUTELLA HOT CHOCOLATE

Makes: 4 servings

4 cups low fat or skim milk
2 tablespoons Nutella, a chocolate hazelnut spread (or any hazelnut cacao spread)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar

Optional Toppings:

Marshmallows
Crushed hazelnuts
Chocolate chips
Extra Nutella

Heat milk in a medium-sized saucepan on medium to high heat until beginning to warm and steam. Add the spread, cocoa powder and sugar, and whisk until dissolved and combined. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring and take off heat. Serve with your desired toppings. Cafedelites.com