The Whipped Cream Hack For An Instagram-Worthy Hot Chocolate

More tips for freezing festive whipped cream

After you've generously spooned your whipped cream into as many muffin molds as there are servings of hot chocolate, place the tray in the freezer for a minimum of five minutes before adding any decorative elements. A slightly firm, yet not fully frozen texture will be just the right level of tackiness for embellishments. Once you've arranged them to your liking, return the tray to the freezer for at least three hours. Since whipped cream melts quickly, it requires ample time in the freezer to set properly. Wait to take your frozen whipped cream out until you're ready to serve your delightful mugs of hot cocoa, then simply pop the shapes out of the molds and place them atop each warm cup. And if you happen to sneak a taste of one, we won’t tell—whipped cream is delightful on its own.

Silicone muffin molds provide enough structure for intricate decorations, so consider giving your hot cocoa creations a seasonal theme. A whipped cream snowman with a fluffy marshmallow head will melt charmingly into your hot cocoa during winter. A white rabbit with white chocolate wafer ears will blend seamlessly into your springtime cocoa. In the fall, spooky whipped cream ghosts are perfect for warming up after a night of trick-or-treating. With muffin molds or a baking sheet, frozen whipped cream can truly elevate any mug of hot chocolate into a festive treat, no matter the time of year.