This Hazelnut Italian Hot Chocolate, or Cioccolata Calda alla Nocciola, is a seriously indulgent thick hot chocolate recipe made with real chocolate, hazelnut liqueur and Nutella.
Ingredients
For the Italian hot chocolate:
1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
1 tsp cornstarch (cornflour)
1 cup (280g) Nutella
1 cup (240ml) milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp hazelnut liqueur (optional)
3/4 cup (100g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
For the hazelnut whipped cream:
1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream (double cream in the UK)
1.5 tbsp hazelnut liqueur (sub for 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp powdered/icing sugar if not using liqueur)
For the Nutella sauce:
1 tbsp Nutella
1-2 tsp milk
chopped hazelnuts to serve
Instructions
To make the Italian hot chocolate:
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat, and whisk in the cornstarch.
Add the Nutella, and whisk until combined and the Nutella is melted.
Add the milk, vanilla, salt, and hazelnut liqueur and gently whisk to combine. Bring to a gentle boil and allow to bubble until thickened and the mixture coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes), whisking every now and then.
Turn down to a low heat and add the chopped chocolate, whisk constantly until all melted and combined.
Serve with a bowl of whipped cream
To make the hazelnut whipped cream:
Add the cream and hazelnut liqueur (or vanilla and sugar if subbing out) to a clean bowl and whip until soft peaks (cream will be fluffy and will hold it's shape, but not be completely stiff)
To make the Nutella sauce:
Put the nutella and 1 tsp of milk in a small, heatproof bowl and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Stir to combine. Add another 1/2 tsp milk as needed to get desired consistency
To serve:
Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and serve with a bowl of the whipped cream
Drinkers can then stir whipped cream into their hot chocolate to get their desired consistency
Then add a dollop of whipped cream on top, drizzle with Nutella sauce, and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
Notes
This Italian Hot Chocolate can be made ahead of time, and reheated as needed.
Please note - you only need a small amount of this hot chocolate as it is extremely rich. The serving suggestion for this is 6 servings, however if you're feeling very indulgent you can make 4 large servings from it.
If you don't have hazelnut liqueur/don't want to get any - you can sub in Irish Cream (preferably the chocolate variety) for a delicious boozy kick!
Calorie information is generated using an app and may not be 100% accurate. Apologies in advance for including the calories for this extremely indulgent drink at all!
CoursesDrinks
CuisineItalian
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size1 small cup/ 1/6 of the recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories445
% Daily Value
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Recipe by A Tipsy Giraffe at https://www.atipsygiraffe.com/hazelnut-italian-hot-chocolate/