A creamy cup of hot chocolate just feels like a hug in a cup. Now picture adding a splash of Baileys to make it a little more adult. It’s even cozier!
This is one of my all-time favorite recipes for cold nights or holiday get-togethers. It tastes great, has a lot of chocolate, and is just the right amount of indulgent.
And the kids can join in too! Just leave out the Baileys and make a separate batch for them.
Let’s cook something warm, tasty, and a little bit special today. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients & Tools
- A medium-sized pot
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Cup
- Spoons and measuring cups
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk is best, but any kind will do)
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- Baileys Irish Cream: ¼ cup (change to taste)
- 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (plus more for dusting)
- 1–2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you want it)
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream—store-bought or homemade—for the top
- Optional: a cinnamon stick for decoration
- Mini marshmallows are optional and just for fun.
Preparation Steps
- Put the milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Stirring every so often, heat over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
- If you want to use sugar, add it to the warm milk mixture along with the chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Keep whisking until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Take the heat off and mix in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Taste and change the sweetness if you need to.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Add whipped cream, cocoa powder, and a cinnamon stick or marshmallows on top for a little extra style.
Tips & Variations
- Slowly heat the milk. Don’t let it get too hot! For hot chocolate that is creamy and smooth, go low and slow.
- Chocolate is important. Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or even chop up a chocolate bar to make it richer.
- Change how sweet it is. Try it as you go. You don’t need to add extra sugar if the chocolate and Baileys are sweet enough.
- Make it safe for kids. Just leave out the Baileys and let the kids add whipped cream, sprinkles, or marshmallows to their hot cocoa.
- It’s worth it to make your own whipped cream. If you have time, make some heavy cream with sugar and vanilla. It’s so good!
- If you don’t want dairy, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of milk and heavy cream. It will still be creamy!
- Different kinds of liquor: Don’t have Baileys? You could also try amaretto, Kahlúa, or even a splash of bourbon.
- No Sugar: For a version with less sugar, use sugar-free chocolate chips and skip the sugar.
- You can make the hot chocolate base without Baileys and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When it’s time to serve, gently heat it up again and add Baileys.
- You can keep leftover hot chocolate (without whipped cream) in the fridge for up to three days if you put it in an airtight container. Before serving, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave and stir well.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! A warm and cozy Baileys Hot Chocolate that’s great for cold nights or holiday parties. It’s thick, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent to make any moment feel special. Make a batch, cuddle up, and enjoy every drop.
Please let me know how it turned out if you try this recipe. Did you make it safe for kids? Did you try a different angle? Please leave a comment below and tell me all about it.