Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is a cozy and colorful twist on your classic hot cocoa. It’s rich and creamy, with a smooth chocolate base mixed with a hint of velvety…

By Riley • December 1, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is a cozy and colorful twist on your classic hot cocoa. It’s rich and creamy, with a smooth chocolate base mixed with a hint of velvety sweetness, all wrapped up in that beautiful red hue you just can’t resist. The gentle cocoa flavor meets a subtle touch of cream cheese or vanilla, giving it that red velvet cake vibe in a warming drink.

I love making this on chilly evenings when I want something special that feels like a hug in a mug. Adding a dollop of whipped cream and maybe a sprinkle of cocoa or crushed red velvet crumbs makes it extra fun—and it’s always a hit when friends come over. I find this drink brings a little bit of celebration and comfort all at once.

My favorite way to enjoy Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is while curled up with a good book or watching a favorite movie. It’s the perfect treat to slow down and savor a moment of warmth, especially around the holidays or anytime you want to feel cozy and a bit festive. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becoming your go-to winter warmer!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture and richness, but you can easily swap it for almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option. Just pick one that steams and mixes well.

Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder brings the classic chocolate flavor without extra sugar. If you don’t have cocoa powder, use melted dark chocolate for a richer taste.

White chocolate chips: These melt into the drink to add sweetness and creaminess, balancing the cocoa. You can skip them or use white chocolate bars chopped finely.

Red velvet cake crumbs: These give the hot chocolate its signature flavor and color. If you don’t have red velvet cake, try using a few crushed red velvet cookies or skip and add a drop of red food coloring plus a splash of vanilla to mimic the flavor.

Vanilla & almond extracts: Vanilla extract is important for that warm, comforting aroma. Almond extract adds a subtle nutty twist but is optional—vanilla alone works great.

How Do You Get the Hot Chocolate Smooth and Well-Mixed Without Clumps?

Getting a smooth hot chocolate can be tricky if cocoa powder or chocolate lumps. Here’s what helps me every time:

• Warm the milk gently on medium heat first—don’t let it boil or scald.
• Whisk the cocoa powder and sugar into the warm milk slowly, mixing thoroughly to dissolve all dry ingredients.
• Add white chocolate chips bit by bit and keep stirring until melted completely.
• When folding in red velvet crumbs, do it off the heat so they soften without clumping.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the right texture before crumbs start to sink or thicken too much.

Taking your time whisking and using gentle heat really helps keep the drink smooth, creamy, and satisfying every sip.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan – perfect for gently heating and mixing the hot chocolate without scorching.
• Whisk – helps you blend cocoa, sugar, and milk smoothly and avoid clumps.
• Measuring spoons – for accurate amounts of cocoa, sugar, and extracts to get the flavor just right.
• Mugs – choose heat-safe mugs that hold a good amount so you can enjoy the full drink.
• Spoon – handy for folding in the red velvet crumbs and scooping them up while you sip.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a warm, spicy twist that complements the chocolate.
• Use peppermint extract instead of almond extract for a festive, minty version.
• Stir in a splash of espresso or coffee for a mocha-style red velvet hot chocolate boost.

How to Make Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra depth)
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 2-3 tablespoons red velvet cake crumbs (store-bought or homemade)
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Additional red velvet crumbs, for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Most of the time is spent gently heating and mixing the ingredients, with no extra chilling or waiting required. It’s quick to make whenever you want a warm, cozy treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat the Milk and Cocoa

Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Add the cocoa powder and sugar. Warm over medium heat, whisking constantly until the cocoa powder and sugar dissolve into the milk and it’s hot but not boiling.

2. Add Extracts and Melt White Chocolate

Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. Add the white chocolate chips and keep stirring until the chips melt completely and the mixture is smooth.

3. Mix in Red Velvet Crumbs

Remove the saucepan from heat. Fold in 2 tablespoons of red velvet cake crumbs gently until they’re combined with the hot chocolate.

4. Serve and Garnish

Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Finally, sprinkle the extra red velvet crumbs on top for a festive and tasty garnish.

Serve right away with a spoon, so you can enjoy the melted crumbs along with the warm drink!

Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well. Just choose an unsweetened variety for the best flavor, and keep an eye on the heat to avoid curdling.

Can I Make This Drink Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking occasionally, and add the red velvet crumbs and whipped cream just before serving.

How Should I Store Leftover Red Velvet Hot Chocolate?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring well to recombine any separated ingredients.

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Red Velvet Cake Crumbs?

If you don’t have red velvet crumbs, crushed red velvet cookies work well too. Alternatively, add a drop of red food coloring and a splash of vanilla extract to mimic the flavor and color.