There’s something about a creamy mug of hot chocolate that just feels like a hug in a cup. Now imagine adding a splash of Baileys for a little grown-up twist—it’s next-level cozy!
This recipe is one of my absolute favorites for cold nights or holiday gatherings. It’s rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Plus, the kids can join in too—just leave out the Baileys and make a separate batch for them!
Let’s make something warm, delicious, and a little extra special today. You’re gonna love it!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- Milk – 2 cups (whole milk works best, but any will do!)
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Baileys Irish Cream – ¼ cup (adjust for taste)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – ½ cup
- Cocoa powder – 1 tbsp (plus extra for dusting)
- Sugar – 1-2 tbsp (optional, depending on sweetness)
- Vanilla extract – ½ tsp
- Whipped cream – For topping (store-bought or homemade)
- Cinnamon stick – Optional, for garnish
- Mini marshmallows – Optional, for fun
Pro Tips
- Warm the milk slowly. Don’t let it boil! Low and slow is the way to go for creamy, smooth hot chocolate.
- Chocolate matters. Use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or even chop up a chocolate bar for extra richness.
- Adjust the sweetness. Taste as you go. If the chocolate and Baileys are sweet enough, you can skip the extra sugar.
- Make it kid-friendly. Simply leave out the Baileys and let the kids customize their hot cocoa with whipped cream, sprinkles, or marshmallows!
- Homemade whipped cream is worth it. If you have time, whip up some heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla—it’s next-level delicious!
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Mug
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- Non-Dairy Option: Swap milk and heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk (it will still be creamy!).
- Different Liquors: Don’t have Baileys? Try Kahlúa, amaretto, or even a splash of bourbon.
- Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and skip the sugar altogether for a lower-sugar version.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the hot chocolate base (without Baileys) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, gently reheat and add Baileys before serving.
How to Make Baileys Hot Chocolate
1. Heat the Milk & Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warm (but not boiling).
2. Melt the Chocolate
Add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar (if using) to the warm milk mixture. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Vanilla & Baileys
Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and Baileys Irish Cream. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
4. Serve & Top
Ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, and a cinnamon stick or marshmallows for extra flair.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover hot chocolate (without whipped cream) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave and stir well before serving.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—a warm, cozy Baileys Hot Chocolate that’s perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. It’s rich, creamy, and just indulgent enough to make any moment feel special. Make a batch, snuggle up, and enjoy every sip.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Did you make it kid-friendly? Did you try a different twist? I’d love to hear all about it—leave a comment below!