Looking for a dairy-free hot chocolate recipe reminiscent of childhood snow days? Keep reading for all the sweetness and none of the tummy ache!
Remember when you were a kid and you would beg to go outside after the first real snowfall? You would play for hours – snow angels, snowmen, sledding, and snowball fights – before returning to the warm indoors to defrost. And, of course, what would a snow day be without hot chocolate and marshmallows in your favorite mug? There’s something about the first snowfall that brings me back to childhood. I crave warm and cozy beverages and the simplicity of caring most about having fun. And while kids may not understand the full impact of their choices on the environment, it’s never too early to start them on their sustainable journey. So, why not enjoy a dairy-free hot chocolate that is both kid and big-kid friendly! There’s some inner child in all of us, right?
I do still have my childhood snowman mug (I mean using what you already have is sustainable!), but I’ve also made room in my cupboard for a few more “grown-up” options. If you’re looking to sip more sustainably, avoiding plastic and to-go cups are great places to start. But, if you are in the market for a new mug, take a peek at this blog post for some eco-friendly mug options.
Now, on to the recipe! I know you’re impatient to snuggle up and watch a holiday movie with your steaming cup of cocoa!
Decadent Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 3 cups non-dairy milk I used a coconut & almond blend
- 3 T. cocoa powder
- 2-3 T. coconut sugar depending on desired sweetness
- 1 t. vanilla
- 1/2 t. peppermint extract
- Himalayan Pink Salt to taste
- Non-dairy whip cream optional
- Chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint for topping optional
Instructions
- Heat non-dairy milk over medium heat before adding in cocoa powder
- Whisk cocoa powder in 1 tablespoon at a time to blend completely
- Add in sugar to taste (allow time to dissolve before adding in more sugar)
- Add vanilla and peppermint extract to the mixture for extra flavor
- Finish by cracking in some Himalayan Pink Salt (it really brings out all the other flavors!)
- Feeling extra festive? Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings (or crushed peppermint)
Rudolph’s Recipe Reminders
This recipe is pretty straightforward, but you might as well have a shining light (like a “nose so bright”) to guide you through this recipe! And so, a few notes:
- Most dairy-free milks will work for this recipe. I really appreciate a coconut and almond blend because the coconut adds some sweetness, while the almond milk adds a little more thickness and nutty-ness.
- The amount of cocoa powder and coconut sugar you add to this recipe really depends on how rich versus sweet you want your dairy-free hot chocolate to be. Find a balance that works well for you.
- Be careful with the amount of peppermint extract you add. It can be very overpowering!
- My Himalayan Pink Salt is in a salt grinder, so that’s why I didn’t provide an exact measurement. In this case, I did three cracks over the pan, and I thought the level of salt was perfect.
- You might be surprised by the number of dairy-free whipped cream options there are at your local store. I love a good coconut whipped cream. It’s so perfectly sweet and creamy!
- For the chocolate shavings, I chopped up some Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chunks. This brand of chocolate is fantastic for those with food allergies, since it’s free of the fourteen most common allergens (including dairy!).
Why Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate?
Why dairy-free hot chocolate? I am so glad you asked! First of all, lactose intolerance runs in my family, so my stomach feels better avoiding things that have too much cow’s milk. However, there are also sustainability reasons for choosing a dairy-free lifestyle. While cow’s milk is the most accessible milk to most people, it also has the most negative environmental impact. Dairy farming is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, overuse of soil and water supply, and often the mistreatment of animals. It’s all about supply and demand as well. And the demand for dairy in the United States is high, which contributes to the environmental issues. Americans consume over 640 pounds of dairy per person every year, which is a lot of milk and cheese!
Now, each type of milk (almond, coconut, oat, etc.) comes with its own environmental drawbacks, but they are significantly less than cow’s milk. I would highly recommend reading through this clear and helpful post from Brightly.eco about the environmental impacts of several different dairy and non-dairy milk types. According to researchers right now, oat milk is one of the most sustainable milks and definitely a personal favorite!
Snuggle Up & Enjoy
No matter what milk you decide on, I hope this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe sweetens your day, opens your eyes to the environmental impact of milk, and leads to a cozy afternoon watching a Christmas movie. If you’re lucky enough to have snow on the ground, maybe you’ll be inspired to make a snow angel or two, build a fort, or go sledding. You’ll definitely earn your hot chocolate that way!
I like to be careful with my sugar consumption, but I also believe strongly in enjoying the simple things in life. A cup of hot chocolate is just that: a simple joy! Do you have simple joys that remind you of your childhood? My inner child definitely comes out at this time of year, and I am grateful for the warmth and love I experience in this holiday season. No matter what your holiday looks like this year, I hope you feel some warmth around you.
Be Well. With Love.
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