Who doesn’t love mocha – that delicious blend of chocolate and coffee? This dandelion hot chocolate is a wonderful twist using roasted dandelion root coffee to make a healthy herbal hot chocolate beverage. Top it with my maple whipped cream and sit back and relax. Best of all, no one will know it’s not “real” coffee.
How to Make Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee
If roasted properly, dandelion root coffee really does taste like coffee. To make your own dandelion coffee, begin by digging a large handful of dandelion root. Fall is an ideal time because nutrients are at a peak, but dandelion root can be dug any time of year, assuming there is no snow cover. A Hori Hori Knife is a great tool for digging.
Give the roots a good scrubbing, and then chop them into 1/2″ -1″ pieces. Cut thicker roots smaller, and thinner roots larger. Heat your oven to 200°F and place the roots on a cookie sheet. I like to line it with parchment paper.
The goal at first is just to dry the root. This will take 2 – 3 hours. Then turn your oven up to 350°F and roast the roots for at least another hour, possibly 2. The secret to great coffee tasting dandelion root is to roast them until they just start to smoke. This will give them the coffee-like taste you’re after.
After roasting, cool and then grind the dandelion roots in a high speed blender, like a Nutribullet or use a coffee grinder.
Full instructions for harvesting and roasting dandelion root are found in my post Dandelion Root Coffee.
If you prefer not to dig and roast your own coffee, Dandy Blend is a really good powdered alternative similar to instant coffee.
Mocha Hot Chocolate
Mocha combines hot chocolate with espresso and is also known as Caffè mocha. When you brew the dandelion coffee for this, brew it strong to simulate the espresso used in mocha.
 | Dandy Blend Instant Dandelion Coffee Substitute |
Dandelion Hot Chocolate
I like to use organic ingredients and low-sugar or better yet, healthy sugar alternatives in all my cooking. And even those alternatives are used sparingly. But a treat after a day of outdoor winter activity or when company comes is something we enjoy.
I use unsweetened chocolate chips (baking chocolate may be substituted), organic cacao powder, cream, real maple syrup, and strong brewed roasted dandelion coffee to make dandelion hot chocolate. Full instructions are in the recipe card.
Cocoa or Cacao
The main difference between cocoa and cacao is how the bean is processed. Cacao is lightly roasted and cold pressed, and is considered healthier because it contains more antioxidants and minerals. Cocoa is roasted at high temperatures. They can, however, be used interchangeably in this recipe.
 | 100% Cacao Organic Unsweetened Chocolate Chips |
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Roasted Dandelion Root Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened chocolate chips or baking chocolate
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1 vanilla bean or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk, cream, or half and half
- 1 cup brewed dandelion root coffee made strong
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- dash sea salt
Instructions
- Scrape the inside of one vanilla bean. Place in blender. (If using extract, add at very end).
- Add chocolate chips and cocoa powder to blender and grind until fine powder.
- Warm milk or cream in a heavy pot, stirring frequently.
- Add ground chocolate mix and stir until melted.
- Brew roasted dandelion root coffee and add to warmed milk and chocolate mixture, stirring thoroughly.
- Add maple syrup, or sweetener of choice.
- Serve with homemade maple whipped cream.
- Makes approximately 4 cups.
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Alissa says
This looks really delicious! I traded my coffee for dandelion root tea about a year and a half ago so I’ll definitely be giving this a try.
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Alissa, I hope you enjoy!!!
Karen says
This looks magnificent Susan!! I’ll be giving this a try this weekend!
Susan Vinskofski says
Enjoy!!!
Kiki says
Hello! Please tell me where to find/buy (by name) “Dandelion Root Coffee” – I look forward to trying it.
Thank you
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Kiki, I make my own with dandelion root, and you can learn how here: https://learningandyearning.com/roasted-dandelion-root-coffee/. I find that Dandy Blend (which has dandelion root and other herbs) to taste best. It can be found here: https://amzn.to/41TDGwJ.
XRumer23dox says
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!