- 4 (3″) cinnamon sticks
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk, divided
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 ounces white chocolate chips (about 1/3 cup) or white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Unsweetened whipped cream and ground cinnamon (for serving)
- Toast cinnamon sticks in a medium dry saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add salt and 2 cups milk and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes.
- Whisk cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup milk in a small bowl. Add to warm milk mixture and heat over medium. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and add chocolate and vanilla. Let sit until chocolate is melted, about 30 seconds, then stir to combine. Discard cinnamon sticks.
- Divide hot chocolate between mugs. Top with whipped cream and dust with ground cinnamon.