Introduction

This Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is a festive twist on a classic winter favorite. Creamy milk chocolate hot cocoa is elevated with a splash of maraschino cherry juice and topped with luscious chocolate covered cherries. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for cozy evenings.

A white cup filled with light brown whipped hot chocolate, topped with a swirl of white whipped cream, and a dark red cherry with its stem on top; two more dark red cherries coated with chocolate lie beside the cup on a white marbled surface, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces whole milk
2 packets (1.38 ounces each) Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
8 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
Chocolate covered cherries (for garnish)
Stabilized whipped cream or Reddi Wip (optional, for garnish)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping cherries)
Parchment paper (for setting chocolate covered cherries)

Instructions

Step 1: To make the chocolate covered cherries, place semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small microwavable bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
Step 2: Gently dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Transfer dipped cherries onto a parchment-lined plate and place in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to set.
Step 3: For the hot chocolate, pour whole milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until steaming. Take care not to let it boil.
Step 4: Divide the hot cocoa mix packets between two mugs. Add 4 teaspoons of maraschino cherry juice to each mug.
Step 5: Slowly pour the hot milk into the mugs and stir well until the cocoa mix is fully dissolved.
Step 6: Top each cup with stabilized whipped cream or Reddi Wip, if desired. Garnish by skewering chocolate covered cherries and placing them on top of the whipped cream for an elegant finish.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk for a richer, creamier hot chocolate or substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
For extra cherry flavor, add a splash of cherry liqueur instead of maraschino juice (for adults only).
Try using dark chocolate chips for coating the cherries to add a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cocoa.
Make the chocolate covered cherries in advance and keep them frozen until ready to serve.

Storage

Store any leftover hot chocolate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving. Chocolate covered cherries can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white cup filled with a creamy light brown mousse-like dessert as the base layer, topped with a generous swirl of white whipped cream. On top of the whipped cream sits a dark red cherry with a stem, adding color contrast. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, a red and white checkered cloth and a single cherry with a dark chocolate coating rest softly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cherries for this recipe?

Maraschino cherries work best because of their sweetness and juice, which enhance the flavor of the hot chocolate. Fresh cherries can be used but won’t provide the same cherry-infused liquid.

How do I prevent the milk from boiling over when heating?

Heat the milk over medium or medium-high heat and watch it closely. Remove the pan from heat as soon as the milk starts to steam and small bubbles appear around the edges, before it reaches a full boil.