White House Hot Chocolate (Presidential Cozy in a Cup)
We’re not usually ones to name-drop Washington D.C. around here—but when it comes to hot chocolate, even we have to tip our hats to the White House kitchen. This rich, decadent recipe is said to have been served during the Bush administration, and it’s earned its place in our kitchen year after year.
Now before you get nervous—no, this post will not make you wade through ten paragraphs about my childhood hot chocolate memories. Just know that if you light a candle, turn on The Nutcracker, and serve this in a big mug with a dollop of cream on top… well, you’ll see why it’s become our December staple. Also it is delicious treat when spring has not warmed up yet and April showers bring cold winds.
Made with real milk, cream, and actual organic cocoa powder—not the dusty powder in the packets—this hot cocoa is smooth, thick, and just sweet enough. And of course, we add a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla to round it all out. No marshmallows needed (unless someone has had a long homeschool morning… then pile them high). Especially if they are the, homemade, nutrient dense, gut healing variety.
Whether you’re watching the snow fall, hosting holiday parties, family movie nights, planning your garden in the chilly April showers, reading a good book, or needing a moment of calm between baking marathons—this cup is like a hug from your favorite wool blanket.
We may not have staff or state dinners—but we do have the White House Hot Chocolate made with real, nourishing ingredients, and that counts for something.
🤍 Jess
The White House Hot Chocolate
Rich, velvety, and fit for presidents—this White House Hot Chocolate is our go-to for cozy winter mornings, fireside reading, and bribing children to come inside. Made with real milk, cream, and good chocolate—because once you’ve had the real thing, there’s no going back.
Enjoy being nourished. 🤍
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder of choice (to make it. Utrient dense we use organic, natural cocoa powder, non alkalized. Or raw cacao powder -if I use this I run a immersion blender to make sure it blends well)
- 6 Tablespoons Organic Sugar
- 2 1/2 Cups Whole Milk (bonus nourishment if it is raw milk)
- 2 1/2 Cups Organic Light Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla (or more to taste)
- Pinch or dash of Organic Cinnamon powder (optional)
- Whipped Cream for garnish- optional
- Orange Zest for garnish- optional (we zest one orange and fold it in to really enjoy the orange taste) then add a little more to the top!
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring to dissolve the dry ingredients.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue stirring until the mixture is heated through and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the light cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Continue heating, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is just below boiling. Do not let it boil.
- Once heated, mix well to ensure all ingredients are fully combined. (This is where I use the immersion blender if necessary.)
- Pour the hot chocolate into warm mugs.
- Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fine orange zest for an added touch of elegance.
Notes
Recipe courtesy of First Lady Laura Bush, as featured on the White House’s official website during the 2001 holiday season.
Enjoy this rich and creamy hot chocolate, a true presidential treat!