Divine Cherry Cordial & Mint Truffle Hershey’s Kiss Hot Chocolate: Your Ultimate Winter Warmer

Are you as perplexed by this unseasonably mild weather as I am? It feels like winter is playing a whimsical game of hide-and-seek. I think I’ve worn my warmest winter coat perhaps only three times this season, and my new furry boots, eagerly purchased last year, are still patiently waiting for their grand debut. Just the other day, I ventured out in short sleeves, jacket-free, a truly bizarre experience for what should be the heart of winter. While I often find myself complaining about the biting cold, there’s a part of me that yearns for a proper snowy landscape, the kind that truly signifies the holiday season. That’s why I’m hoping to manifest a white Christmas and a truly snowy New Year by indulging in a comforting mug of Cherry Cordial and Mint Truffle Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Whipped Cream. And guess what? This delightful winter elixir couldn’t be simpler to prepare! All it takes are your favorite Hershey’s Kisses, a few basic pantry staples, and a little warmth, and you’ll have a taste of winter magic captured perfectly in a mug.

There’s something truly enchanting about a cup of homemade hot chocolate. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, a warm embrace on a chilly day, a nostalgic trip back to childhood. And when you craft it yourself, customizing every element, it becomes an even more personal indulgence. Our journey into hot chocolate heaven begins with a secret weapon: Hershey’s Kisses. These iconic bite-sized chocolates aren’t just for snacking; they melt beautifully, imparting a rich, distinctive flavor that elevates a simple hot cocoa to something extraordinary. We’re talking about taking everyday milk and transforming it into a luxurious, creamy beverage bursting with specific chocolate notes from these beloved little treasures.

Look closely – it’s sinking!

The Curious Case of the Sinking Kisses: A Sweet Discovery

While experimenting with these delightful drinks, I stumbled upon a curious observation: not all Hershey’s Kisses are created equal, at least when it comes to their buoyancy in a mug of warm cream. The Cherry Cordial Creme Kisses, with their vibrant cherry-flavored center, seemed to plunge gracefully into the hot chocolate at a much faster rate than their Mint Truffle counterparts. I managed to quickly snap a few pictures with some cherry pieces still artfully perched on top, but as soon as I tried to replenish them for additional shots, they instantly began their descent. Meanwhile, the cool, refreshing mint ones were just casually “chilling” on the surface of the whipped cream, seemingly defying gravity. What gives, Hershey’s? Is it a difference in density, a unique filling, or simply a mischievous chocolate phenomenon? Regardless of the scientific explanation, it added a fun, unexpected element to the preparation, highlighting the unique characteristics of each flavor. It’s a playful reminder that even in the simplest recipes, there can be delightful little surprises.

This minor “mystery” of the sinking Kisses only added to the charm of making these beverages. It’s these small, quirky details that often make homemade treats so memorable. Whether they float or sink, the ultimate goal is to infuse that distinct Hershey’s Kiss flavor into a comforting cup of hot chocolate. The Cherry Cordial Kisses offer a burst of sweet, fruity notes complementing the rich chocolate base, while the Mint Truffle Kisses provide a refreshing, invigorating twist that mint chocolate lovers adore. Each flavor brings its own personality to the mug, making the experience dynamic and exciting.

Flavor Freedom: Choosing Your Hershey’s Kiss Adventure

I specifically chose Cherry Cordial Creme and Mint Truffle Kisses for this recipe because they evoke a delightful, specialty winter feeling. These festive flavors often make their appearance during the cooler months, adding a touch of holiday cheer to any dessert or drink (though I do wonder if the cherry cordial makes a reappearance around Valentine’s Day!). However, the true beauty of this hot chocolate recipe lies in its incredible versatility. You are absolutely not limited to these two fantastic choices. Hershey’s offers an astonishing array of Kiss flavors, opening up a world of possibilities for your hot chocolate adventure.

Imagine a classic hot chocolate made with regular Milk Chocolate Kisses for a comforting, familiar taste. Or perhaps a deeper, more intense experience with Dark Chocolate Kisses. For those who adore a sweet and gooey center, Caramel Kisses would melt into a heavenly, buttery concoction. Nut lovers might gravitate towards Almond Kisses, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone. And if you’re truly committed to the winter theme, the vibrant and refreshing Candy Cane Kisses would infuse your drink with a wonderful peppermint zing, perfect for sipping by the fireplace. Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is your canvas, and Hershey’s Kisses are your palette. Mix and match, or stick to one beloved flavor – the choice is entirely yours.

The Crowning Glory: Marshmallow Whipped Cream

Of course, no hot chocolate recipe, especially one designed for ultimate indulgence, is truly complete without marshmallows. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your experience with something truly spectacular? We’re taking the classic marshmallow and combining it with luscious whipped cream to create a topping that is pure dessert magic: Marshmallow Whipped Cream. I opted to fold rich, airy marshmallow fluff into freshly homemade whipped cream, resulting in a dreamy, cloud-like topping that melts divinely into the warm chocolate. The texture is unparalleled – light, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.

However, if you’re short on time or ingredients, don’t despair! You can absolutely achieve a similar effect by gently folding actual mini marshmallows into store-bought or homemade whipped cream. The marshmallows will soften and meld, adding that familiar sweet chewiness. Or, for the simplest approach, just use regular whipped cream and generously garnish with a handful of marshmallows on top. Let’s be honest, whether it’s fluffy, folded, or simply garnished, it all ends up in your belly in the same wonderfully delicious way. The key is that sweet, creamy layer that adds another dimension of flavor and texture to your hot chocolate, transforming it from a mere drink into a decadent dessert experience. A sprinkle of chopped Hershey’s Kisses on top provides a beautiful finish and an extra chocolatey bite!

My Personal Favorite and Your Next Flavor Adventure

After sampling both the Cherry Cordial and Mint Truffle Hot Chocolate recipes, I must confess my heart leans firmly towards the Mint Truffle Kisses version. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the classic pairing of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that always wins me over. It’s a combination that’s both comforting and invigorating, a perfect balance for a winter treat. The cool mint cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a wonderfully complex flavor profile.

But my preference is just one of many possibilities! The true joy of this recipe is making it your own. So, I pass the whisk to you, dear reader: what flavor of Hershey’s Kisses will you choose to transform into your ultimate hot chocolate? Will you stick with a traditional milk chocolate, venture into the festive realm of Candy Cane, or perhaps discover a new favorite with a less common Kiss flavor? The options are endless, and the result is always a warm, happy moment.

Tips for Your Best Homemade Hot Chocolate

• Don’t Boil the Milk: Heating the milk gently until it’s hot but not boiling is crucial. Boiling can scorch the milk and affect the delicate chocolate flavor.
• Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure all Kisses are fully melted and incorporated for a smooth, lump-free drink. A good whisking will also create a little froth.
• Adjust Sweetness: The Kisses themselves are sweet, but you can always add more powdered sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter drink.
• Quality Ingredients: While Hershey’s Kisses are the star, using good quality milk (whole milk for creaminess, or a plant-based alternative for dietary needs) will make a difference.
• Serve Immediately: Hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, while it’s still piping hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Cherry Cordial and Mint Truffle Kiss Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Whipped Cream

Yield:
2 servings

Indulge in this easy and delightful Kiss Hot Chocolate, crafted with either festive cherry cordial or refreshing mint truffle Hershey’s Kisses, topped with a luscious marshmallow whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy winter treat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
• 8 Cherry Cordial Creme or Mint Truffle Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Marshmallow Whipped Cream

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff
• 3 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped and chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until it is hot and steaming, but do not allow it to boil.
2. Once hot, whisk in the powdered sugar, unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses of your chosen flavor, and salt. Continue whisking constantly until all the chocolate Kisses have completely melted and are fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy hot chocolate. Pour this decadent mixture evenly into two mugs.
3. To prepare the whipped cream: In a separate medium-sized bowl, begin beating the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer (or whisk by hand) until it just starts to thicken. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beater(s) straight up, the peaks of cream will stand firm without collapsing. Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff until just combined. Spoon generous dollops of this delightful marshmallow whipped cream on top of each hot chocolate. For a final flourish, garnish with the chopped Hershey’s Kisses. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

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In conclusion, this Hershey’s Kiss Hot Chocolate is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to pause, to savor, and to create a moment of warmth and joy. Whether the weather outside is frightful or oddly delightful, a mug of this rich, customized hot cocoa, crowned with fluffy marshmallow whipped cream, is always the perfect antidote. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your personal taste. So go ahead, unwrap those Kisses, warm that milk, and treat yourself to a little cup of winter happiness. Cheers to cozy evenings and delicious discoveries!