Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for the perfect cup of warm, creamy deliciousness, you’re in the right place. This Homemade Hot Chocolate is decadent, rich, and oh-so-cozy—the ideal treat for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave a sweet pick-me-up. Made with real chocolate and a few pantry staples, this recipe is guaranteed to blow those store-bought mixes out of the water. So grab your favorite mug and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ultra-creamy and rich texture thanks to real melted chocolate and whole milk.
- Super quick to whip up—just 10 minutes from start to finish!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, spices, or alternative milks.
- Perfect for cozy nights, entertaining guests, or a comforting treat after a long day.
- No weird additives—just simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand!
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or high-quality chips)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Warm the Dairy
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir gently until the mixture is steaming but not boiling, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Add the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to the warm milk-cream mixture. Whisk continuously until all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is fully combined and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touch
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Step 4: Serve
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. Enjoy immediately while hot and velvety!
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter drink, you can substitute half of the whole milk with 2% or your favorite dairy-free milk.
- Gently heat to avoid scalding the milk for the smoothest texture and best flavor.
- You can prep your toppings ahead for a fun hot chocolate bar experience.
Variations
- Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm kick.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut cream instead of milk and heavy cream for a creamy vegan treat.
- Mint Chocolate: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a festive twist.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and chopping board (if chopping chocolate bars)
- Mugs for serving
Storage Instructions
Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking until smooth. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with freshly baked cookies, buttery croissants, or a slice of banana bread.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a toasted marshmallow for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a cozy blanket and your favorite book or movie for peak comfort vibes!
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest, deepest flavor.
- Whisk constantly over low heat to prevent scorching or clumping.
- If it thickens too much upon cooling, stir in a splash of milk while reheating to reach your perfect consistency.
FAQ
Can I make Homemade hot chocolate ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to 3 days ahead, store in the fridge, and rewarm gently before serving.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes! This recipe is easily scalable—just adjust ingredient amounts proportionally based on how many servings you need.
Is it possible to substitute the chocolate with only cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup extra cocoa powder in place of the chopped chocolate, but the flavor and richness will be slightly less intense.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1In a medium saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
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2Gradually add the milk while whisking to combine with the cocoa mixture.
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3Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling, about 8 minutes.
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4Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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5Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
260cal
Protein:
7 gg
Fat:
13 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
30 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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