This creamy, vibrant green drink is the ultimate holiday treat, and this Christmas elf hot chocolate recipe brings the magic of the North Pole right to your kitchen. Every year, as soon as the first snow falls, my family gathers in the living room for our annual holiday movie marathon.
We always start the night by watching the story of a human raised by elves who travels to New York City. It is a tradition that never fails to make us laugh and feel the festive spirit. To make the evening even more special, I started making this whimsical drink to sip while we watch.
The kids absolutely light up when they see the bright emerald color. It looks just like something you would find in an elf’s kitchen. The rich white chocolate base is perfectly sweet and comforting on a cold winter night.
Adding a drizzle of maple syrup is my secret touch to truly honor the elf diet. If you are looking for more festive inspiration, check out Cook Reel for delicious holiday ideas. This drink has become a staple in our home, and I know it will become a favorite in yours too.
Why you’ll love this The North Pole Elf Hot Chocolate with Christmas Elf Hot Chocolate
- It captures the festive spirit perfectly with its vibrant green color and fun toppings, making it the most photogenic Christmas elf hot chocolate you will ever serve.
- The recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, so you do not have to miss any important movie scenes while working in the kitchen.
- You can easily customize the sweetness and toppings to suit both children and adults, ensuring everyone gets their perfect cup.
- It uses simple, high-quality ingredients like real white chocolate and heavy cream for a texture that is far superior to powdered mixes.
- The optional peppermint extract adds a refreshing winter twist that cuts through the richness of the white chocolate.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups high-quality white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
- 3-4 drops green gel food coloring
- Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
- Red and green holiday sprinkles
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for the true elf experience)
Directions
Step 1
Christmas elf hot chocolate makes every moment feel velvety. Grab a medium saucepan and place it on your stovetop. Pour in the whole milk and the heavy cream. Turn the heat to medium-low to gently warm the liquid.
Step 2
Watch the pot closely as the milk mixture heats up. You want to see steam beginning to rise from the surface. Be very careful not to let the milk come to a rolling boil, as this can change the taste.
Step 3
Add the white chocolate chips to the warm milk. Use a whisk to stir the mixture continuously. Keep stirring until every chip has melted and the liquid is completely smooth and velvety.
Step 4
Remove the pan from the heat for a moment. Stir in the vanilla extract and the peppermint extract if you are using it. This ensures the delicate flavors do not evaporate in the heat.
Step 5
Now it is time for the color. Add the green gel food coloring one drop at a time. Whisk vigorously after each drop until you achieve that signature vibrant ‘elf green’ hue.
Step 6
Place the saucepan back on low heat for just one more minute. This helps ensure the color and flavors are fully incorporated and the drink is piping hot. Do not let it boil.
Step 7
Carefully pour the Christmas elf hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of each mug. You will need that room for the toppings.
Step 8
Top each mug generously with a mountain of whipped cream. Immediately garnish with the crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, and mini marshmallows. Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup for the authentic elf touch.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different dietary needs without losing the magic. For a dairy-free version, full-fat oat milk or coconut milk works wonderfully. These alternatives provide the necessary creaminess that water simply cannot match.
If peppermint isn’t your favorite flavor, try swapping it out for other extracts. Almond extract adds a lovely, nutty depth to the white chocolate. You could also use a tiny splash of coconut extract for a snowy, tropical twist.
For those who love extra decoration, try rimming the mugs before pouring. Dip the rim of your mug in melted white chocolate. Then, dip it into crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles for a professional bakery look.
Pairings
This sweet drink pairs beautifully with salty snacks to balance the sugar. A bowl of freshly popped, buttered popcorn is an excellent choice. The salty crunch contrasts perfectly with the creamy, sweet liquid.
If you have a sweet tooth, serve this alongside holiday sugar cookies. The vanilla notes in the cookies complement the white chocolate base. You can even dunk the cookies into the whipped cream topping.
For a heartier snack, try serving this with savory appetizers. The richness of the drink goes surprisingly well with something crisp and salty. Homemade cheese straws or pretzels make for a delightful afternoon treat.
Serving ideas
Presentation is everything when serving this festive beverage. Use clear glass mugs if you have them. This allows the vibrant green color to be the star of the show.
Create a DIY topping bar for your family or guests. Set out bowls of marshmallows, different types of sprinkles, and crushed candies. Let everyone decorate their own mug to their personal preference.
Add a whimsical touch by using a candy cane as a stirrer. As the candy cane melts in the hot liquid, it adds more peppermint flavor. It also looks incredibly cute sticking out of the whipped cream mountain.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily in the refrigerator. Allow the liquid to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
To reheat, pour the cold chocolate into a small saucepan. Warm it over low heat, stirring frequently with a whisk. This helps to re-emulsify the chocolate and milk if they have separated slightly.
Avoid reheating this drink in the microwave if possible. Microwaves can heat unevenly and may cause the white chocolate to scorch. Slow and gentle heating on the stove yields the best results.
Make-ahead
You can prepare a large batch of this Christmas elf hot chocolate ahead of time for a party. Make the recipe up to the point of adding the toppings. Transfer the hot liquid to a slow cooker set to the “warm” setting.
Stir the mixture occasionally during the party to keep the chocolate from settling. Keep a ladle nearby for serving. This method keeps the drink at the perfect temperature for hours.
You can also pre-mix the dry toppings in a jar. Combine the crushed candy canes and sprinkles. This makes the final assembly much faster when you are ready to serve.
Common mistakes when making Christmas elf hot chocolate
- Using water-based food coloring instead of gel coloring can cause the chocolate to seize, so always stick to gel for a smooth texture.
- Boiling the milk mixture too aggressively can cause the dairy to curdle or separate, ruining the creamy consistency of your Christmas elf hot chocolate.
- Using low-quality white chocolate chips often results in a waxy texture and overly sweet taste, so invest in a good brand that contains cocoa butter.
- Adding the toppings too late can be a mistake; you want to add them immediately while the whipped cream is fresh so they stick properly.
- forgetting to whisk continuously while melting the chocolate can lead to burnt bits on the bottom of the pan.
Final notes
This recipe is more than just a drink; it is an experience that brings out the inner child in everyone. The combination of creamy white chocolate and festive toppings creates a memory your family will cherish. It is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season.
Do not be afraid to get creative with your decorations. The “elf” theme is all about fun, sugar, and bright colors. The messier the whipped cream and sprinkles, the more authentic it looks.
I hope you enjoy making this Christmas elf hot chocolate as much as I do. It is a small gesture that adds a lot of joy to a winter evening. Grab your favorite mug and get ready for a delicious treat.
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The North Pole Elf Hot Chocolate
Bring the magic of the North Pole to your mug with this whimsical, emerald-green white hot chocolate. Inspired by everyone’s favorite holiday elves, this creamy concoction is rich with vanilla flavor and loaded with festive toppings like crushed candy canes and fluffy marshmallows. It is the perfect cozy treat for a holiday movie night.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups high-quality white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
- 3-4 drops green gel food coloring
- Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
- Red and green holiday sprinkles
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (ensure agar agar-free/halal if required)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for the true elf experience)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Allow it to warm up gently until steam begins to rise, but do not let it come to a rolling boil.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips continuously with a whisk until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and velvety.
- Remove the pan from the heat slightly and stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using). Add the green gel food coloring one drop at a time, whisking vigorously, until you reach a vibrant 'elf green' color.
- Return to low heat for another minute to ensure everything is fully incorporated and hot.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Top generously with a mountain of whipped cream. Garnish immediately with crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, and mini marshmallows. Drizzle with a little maple syrup if you want to eat like a real elf.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with oat milk or coconut milk, and use vegan white chocolate. Gel food coloring works best as it won’t water down the chocolate. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg