Baileys Hot Chocolate

5 from 39 votes

This creamy Baileys hot chocolate recipe is just what Jack Frost ordered to keep you warm and cozy this winter.

Prep Time2

Cook Time4

Total Time6

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baileys Hot Chocolate RECIPE

Servings:

Calories: 697kcal

In a small (1.5 quart) saucepot whisk together the granulated sugar and cocoa powder until no large lumps remain.
Whisk in the milk, turn on the heat to the saucepot to medium-low and heat for 3-4 minutes or until the milk starts to steam and tiny bubbles form around the edges of the saucepot. Be sure to whisk the mixture constantly to ensure the milk does not burn while heating up.
Add the chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and combined into the hot chocolate.
Remove the saucepot from the heat and stir in the Baileys.
Carefully pour the warm Baileys hot chocolate mixture into a large (16-ounce capacity) mug. Garnish with optional toppings if desired and serve immediately.

3 tablespoons equals 1 ½ ounces, which is a standard measurement for a shot of alcohol. If you want more Baileys in your hot chocolate, then you will need to reduce the amount of milk to 1 cup for this recipe.
You can make a batch of homemade stabilized whipped cream, transfer to a large piping bag fitted with a piping tip, to garnish your Baileys hot chocolate. The stabilized whipped cream will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Be sure to use a high quality brand of unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor hot chocolate. Brands will differ in color and flavor.
You can substitute 2-ounces of semi-sweet chocolate baking bar, finely chopped, for the chocolate chips in this recipe.
You can replace ¼ cup half-and-half, or heavy cream, for a ¼ cup of the whole milk if you prefer a richer and creamier hot chocolate. I do not suggest swapping out all the whole milk for these alternative options as that would be too thick and rich.