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A glass mug of pistachio hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed pistachios.
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Pistachio Hot Chocolate (Dubai-Style)

A stovetop hot chocolate made with pistachio cream, cocoa powder, milk, and a touch of brown sugar, finished with whipped cream, a pistachio cream drizzle, and chopped pistachios. It’s basic homemade cocoa with a pistachio twist, with a flavor that’s very reminiscent of Dubai chocolate.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time8 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 1 large mug
Calories: 402kcal
Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups milk of choice dairy or non-dairy
  • 3 tablespoons pistachio cream the kind that is just pistachios and sugar
  • 1½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar of choice I like to use brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt
  • Whipped cream for topping (optional)
  • Finely chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar (if using), and a splash of the milk until smooth and free of lumps.
    Cocoa powder and a clump of dry ingredients for pistachio hot chocolate inside a mixing bowl.
  • Gradually whisk in the remaining milk, pistachio cream, and salt until well combined.
    A dollop of pistachio paste sitting in a pot of foamy, brown hot chocolate.
  • Heat over medium-low heat for 4–6 minutes, whisking frequently, until the hot chocolate is smooth, creamy, and steaming. Do not allow it to boil.
    Top-down view of a light brown pistachio hot chocolate with bubbles in a mug.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and add a little more sugar if desired.
  • Pour the hot chocolate into a large mug and top with whipped cream and finely chopped pistachios, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
    A glass mug of pistachio hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed pistachios on a wooden surface.

Video

Notes

  • Use pistachio cream made with just pistachios and sugar. Some Dubai-style pistachio spreads contain kataifi or wafer pieces with wheat, so check the label to keep it gluten-free.
  • Pistachio creams vary in sweetness. Taste before adding extra sugar.
  • Don’t let the hot chocolate boil, especially if you’re using non-dairy milk.
  • For festive green streaks (and a little extra pistachio flavor), dip a spoon in pistachio cream and swipe it down the inside of a clear mug a few times before pouring in the hot chocolate. It’s optional, but I love how it looks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1mug | Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 512mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Calcium: 520mg | Iron: 3mg
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