Nothing says cozy like a cup of hot chocolate, especially when it’s pink, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor! This Strawberry Hot Chocolate is a fun twist on the classic. It’s perfect for a winter treat, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want a special homemade drink that’s as pretty as it is delicious. And if you’re craving the traditional version, be sure to try my Big Batch Hot Cocoa Mix for a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Whole Milk: Milk creates a rich, creamy base for this hot chocolate. You can swap in 2% milk, almond milk, or oat milk for a lighter or dairy-free version, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds extra richness and gives the drink a silky finish. You can reduce it slightly or omit it for a lighter drink, but the white chocolate will make it a little less smooth.
- White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate provides sweetness and a creamy texture. If you prefer, you can use chopped white chocolate bars for a more intense flavor or a high-quality white chocolate baking bar.
- Strawberry Syrup: Strawberry syrup brings the signature flavor and color. You can use store-bought syrup for convenience, or make your own with fresh strawberries, sugar, and water for a brighter, more natural flavor. Strawberry simple syrup or even a spoonful of strawberry jam thinned with a little warm water also works in a pinch.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors. You could also try a splash of almond extract for a fun variation.
- Garnishes: Whipped cream, fresh strawberries, white chocolate shavings, and sprinkles make this drink festive and fun. You can mix and match according to taste or what you have on hand.
FAQs
Can I use milk alternatives?
Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk works well. The texture will be slightly lighter, but the flavor remains delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the hot chocolate base ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. Add garnishes fresh for the best presentation.
Can I adjust the strawberry flavor?
Absolutely! Add more or less strawberry syrup to suit your taste. Using fresh strawberry puree will give a fresher, more natural flavor.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Use full-fat milk and heavy cream, and whisk the white chocolate slowly to ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
Serving Ideas
- For a fun twist, drizzle extra strawberry syrup or white chocolate over the whipped cream.
- Serve alongside sugar cookies, brownies, or shortbread for a cozy treat.
- Turn it into a “strawberry mocha” by adding a shot of espresso for an adult-friendly version.
Two Alternative Tested Ways to Make Strawberry Hot Chocolate
If you love this Strawberry Hot Chocolate but want to mix things up, we’ve tested two alternative ways to make it. Each has its own unique flavor, texture, and charm. Here is what our taste testers had to say about them: (Find the full recipes below the original.)
Variation 1: Fresh Strawberry Version
Ingredients: Milk, fresh strawberries, white chocolate chips, sugar, and optional pink food coloring.
Instructions: Blend milk & strawberries → heat in a saucepan → add chocolate & sugar → add coloring → top with garnishes.
Taste Tester Notes: Bright, fresh strawberry flavor. But the texture threw everybody off since it was thick and almost slushy-like (while being warm), if that makes sense! The strawberry flavor was a winner, however.
Variation 2: Big-Batch Powdered Version
Ingredients: White chocolate, strawberry Nesquik, instant milk powder, hot water or milk.
Instructions: Pulse ingredients to a powder → serve 3 tablespoons per mug → add hot water/milk → top with garnishes.
Taste Tester Notes: Convenient and customizable for parties. (I love being able to have a big batch ready to go.) But the instant milk powder flavor was not everyone’s favorite.
How to Store Strawberry Hot Chocolate
At room temperature: Best enjoyed immediately, but it can sit out for up to 1 hour if needed.
In the refrigerator: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture.
Freezing: You can freeze the hot chocolate base (without whipped cream or fresh strawberries) in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Strawberry Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups (488 g) whole milk
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (85 g) white chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup (103 g) strawberry syrup, store-bought or homemade
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- whipped cream
- fresh strawberries, halved or diced
- white chocolate shavings
- pink or red sprinkles
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the milk and heavy cream. Heat until steaming but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
- Add the white chocolate chips and whisk constantly until fully melted.
- Add the strawberry syrup and vanilla and whisk until combined.
- Divide into mugs and top with your desired garnishes.
Notes
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled, washed
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring, optional
- Add the milk and strawberries to a blender and process until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the strawberry milk mixture.
- Add the white chocolate chips and sugar and whisk constantly until fully melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the food coloring (if using).
- Divide into mugs and top with your desired garnishes.
- 8 ounces white chocolate, broken into pieces
- 1 ½ cups strawberry Nesquik
- ½ cup instant non-fat dry milk powder
- Hot water or whole milk, for serving (about 6 ounces each mug)
- Add white chocolate to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the chocolate is broken into small, pea-sized pieces.
- Add milk powder and strawberry Nesquik. Continue to process until the mixture is a powder consistency.
- To serve, add 3 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture to a mug.
- Top with hot water or milk and your desired toppings.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is so creamy and sweet! It is like dessert in a mug!
Elizabeth
I loved this taste test. All were great, but I love the creaminess of this one.
Stephanie
This reminds me of strawberry milk, but more decadent.
Bella
Loved the strawberry flavor! Add a little whipped cream on top for a lovely treat!
