Pink Hot Chocolate
A yummy and easy Pink Hot Chocolate that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, pink-themed birthday parties, and any other time you need something pink to drink! Stovetop and crockpot directions included.
Pink Hot Chocolate is a very simple recipe, with just a few ingredients, and takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish! Or make it in a crockpot You can also make this If you’re looking for a yummy new Valentine’s Day tradition, something to serve at a holiday party or gathering, or just a fun recipe for a cold winter day in February, this is one to try.
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We make this yummy drink as part of our Valentine’s Day countdown every year. When my kids were tiny, they were pretty thrilled by the fact that it was pink. They still love that it’s pink now, but they also love the fact that we do it every year, and has become tradition. It’s one of our favorite hot chocolate recipes, a delicious treat, and a fun way to get warm and celebrate Valentine’s Day.
It’s a simple recipe, and can be made in less than 10 minutes. I based it on my popular hot chocolate recipe, but using white chocolate chips instead. It comes together just as quickly, and can sit on the stove on simmer until ready to serve. I give my kids the choice of whipped cream or marshmallows (and sometimes both!), plus a few Valentine sprinkles for the top.
We have it a couple of times every year during the Valentine’s Day season, and it’s always a hit. I love to serve it as part of our Valentine breakfast, and it’s fun and festive for any kind of party or gathering. It’s extra cold in lots of places this winter, so pink hot chocolate might be the perfect thing to warm up!
It doesn’t have to be the holiday to make this yummy recipe though. I’ve also served it at a birthday party for my daughter, who loves pink, and it went with her theme perfectly. They all loved it! Pink tea parties are especially fun for this recipe.
Ingredients
- Whole milk or half and half
- Evaporated milk
- White chocolate chips
- Red food gel or food coloring
- Whipped cream
- Heart sprinkles
- Heart sprinkles 2
Equipment
You’ll need just a couple things…
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Mugs (these heart-shaped mugs are so cute!)
How to make
When my kids were tiny, they thought I was magic! They had no idea how the hot chocolate was pink. They know it’s a very special mom secret (passed down to me by my mom), and that I’ll tell them all about it when they grow up. I remember thinking my mom was magic too! They like to watch whenever I’m working the kitchen, but I made them leave when it was time for the “pink” part. I still do. :)
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips with the evaporated milk. Once melted, add the whole milk and half & half and stir well, using a whisk to make sure the chocolate is incorporated.
Heat through on low-medium heat, stirring every couple of minutes.Start with 3 cups milk, and add more to taste. (I usually use closer to 4 cups.) Remove from heat or turn down to a simmer.
Add drops of red food coloring until you get it to the color you like. I prefer a lighter pink, but it’s totally up to you how dark of a pink you go.
Serve in a mug or mason jar with whipped cream! We also like mini marshmallows, plus a few fun sprinkles for the top.
If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day party or gathering, a Pink Hot Chocolate Bar would be a really fun addition. Set out lots of fun toppings like Valentine sprinkles, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and more! It would be great for kids or adults, and it’s always a hit.
Crockpot directions
Mix all the ingredients together in a 6 quart crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring often the first hour, to make sure the chocolate incorporates and doesn’t burn on the bottom. I usually double the recipe if I’m making it in a crockpot.
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute a milk with lesser fat, but it will be less rich and creamy than using whole milk and half and half.
Yes! See directions above.
Absolutely. This is an easy recipe to double, or even half, depending on the number you’re serving.
More Valentine’s Day ideas
It’s all about tradition, and even a simple recipe like this one creates so many memories. I’m a big believer in holiday traditions (I even wrote a book about them!), and how they bring families closer together. They don’t have to be fancy, or take a lot of time to prepare–it’s just about being together. Pink hot chocolate is a simple thing, but it makes celebrating so much fun.
Pink Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 12 oz. can evaporated milk
- 12 oz. white chocolate chips, 1 bag
- 2 c. half and half
- 2 c. whole milk
- few drops red food coloring
- whipped cream
- sprinkles
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips with the evaporated milk.
- Once melted, add the whole milk and half & half and stir well, using a whisk to make sure the chocolate is incorporated. Heat through on low-medium heat, stirring every couple of minutes.
- Remove from heat or turn down to a simmer.
- Add drops of red food coloring until you get it to the color you like! Serve in a mug or mason jar with whipped cream! We also like mini marshmallows, plus a few fun sprinkles for the top!
*Originally posted 2014.