This “Heavenly” Hot Chocolate Tastes Like an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie in a Cup (I Drink It Every Day!)
Every fall, I get a strong craving for hot chocolate. Unfortunately, the beverage I end up making at home hardly ever fulfills it. I used to reach for the basic packets at the grocery store, only to end up with a thin, watery formula and a bunch of unmixed powder stuck at the bottom of my mug. I’ve also branched out and tried other brands, but I’ve gradually accepted the fact that powdered hot chocolate mixes are simply not the move. Recently, I found something that I can make at home that tastes just like the rich, not-too-sweet hot cocoa I wait in line for at New York City’s holiday markets. Hotel Chocolat’s hot chocolate flakes are my new seasonal go-to, and they come in a variety of delicious flavors.
By far, the most scrumptious one (in my opinion) is the pecan cinnamon Danish flavor. Even my friend, who doesn’t typically like cinnamon, agreed that it was great when she tried it. You can get a box of 10 packets on the brand’s website. While you’re at it, grab some other varieties you think you or a loved one might enjoy!
What Are the Pecan Cinnamon Danish Hot Chocolate Flakes?
Unlike powdered hot chocolate mix, which can be hard to blend with milk, Hotel Chocolat’s packets contain actual chocolate flakes that melt right into hot milk. The brand recommends using its Velvetiser machine to prepare your hot chocolate. The device is similar to an electric kettle, but you pour milk inside of it and then add your flakes to the mix to create a velvety chocolate blend. I got to make hot chocolate using the Velvetiser at a brand event, and the process was quick and fun. At home, though, I just heat up milk on the stove and then pour in the chocolate flakes when it starts to boil.
With the pecan cinnamon Danish flavor, the boiling mix smells almost like a pastry baking in the oven. The first time I tried it, I kept thinking it tasted like a different dessert, something nostalgic from my childhood. Then, it hit me: The hot chocolate tasted like an oatmeal raisin cookie! To me, the flavor is exactly the same, only it’s in liquid form. If you’re unsure of whether you’d like this variety, you can shop other chocolate flake flavors or you could even try Hotel Chocolat’s advent calendar, which is available for pre-order and comes with 16 flavors. At $75, it’s a pretty good value.
Why I Love the Pecan Cinnamon Danish Hot Chocolate Flakes
Finding (or making) a perfectly balanced hot chocolate beverage is tricky. Even when I buy a cup from a local holiday fair or market, it’s sometimes too sweet or so rich that I can’t stomach it all. But with these chocolate flakes, my hot chocolate comes out perfect every time. I would describe the pecan cinnamon Danish flavor as just sweet enough, with a hint of cinnamon that’s not overpowering. The standout notes are actually the buttery pecan, and for some reason I get a fruity raisin flavor as well. It has so much more depth than your basic, one-note milk chocolate drink. The flakes also blend seamlessly with hot milk, so I never experience any clumps of chocolate in my drink. The result is always smooth and lush. And even though I have to boil milk on my stove, the entire preparation process only takes about five minutes.
This particular flavor is limited-edition, so I would recommend grabbing a pack or two while it’s still available. It would make a wonderful gift or pantry addition for when you gather with loved ones this holiday season. Even those who aren’t major fans of cinnamon are bound to enjoy its complex flavor profile. Otherwise, there are plenty of other types to try (the salted caramel flakes are my second favorite).
At $25 for a pack of 10 flake sachets and perfect hot chocolate every time, this kitchen staple is definitely worth a try. I’m sure that, like me, you’ll come back to it every season — if you don’t opt to keep it on your coffee bar year-round, that is.
Buy: Pecan Cinnamon Danish Hot Chocolate Flakes, Pack of 10, $25