Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
A rich and creamy homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe that is ready in minutes. Learn how to make real hot cocoa using staple kitchen ingredients.
There’s nothing quite like a steamy and cozy cup of homemade Hot Chocolate. All you need is some homemade whipped cream on top and you have the coziest warm winter drink
Hot Chocolate Recipe:
Just like homemade Apple Cider, This hot chocolate recipe is a favorite during the cooler months. This is the easiest recipe and takes just minutes on the stove. Enjoy your warm mug of hot cocoa, the ULTIMATE cozy drink that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate:
There are just 5 ingredients needed for a classic hot chocolate mix.
- Cocoa powder – be sure it’s unsweetened
- Sugar – add granulated sugar to your desired sweetness
- Chocolate – melt in semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, chunks, or shavings for a rich chocolate flavor
- Milk – we use whole milk for a creamier consistency and it incorporates chocolate better than skim milk.
- Vanilla extract – use homemade vanilla for the best taste
For an extra rich and creamy hot cocoa: replace 1 cup of whole milk with a cup of half and half or heavy cream.
How to make Hot Chocolate:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, chocolate chunks, and vanilla.
- Place over medium heat until steaming, whisking constantly to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Cool to desired serving temperature and serve with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: Cocoa and chocolate can settle at the bottom of the pot. Avoid burning your homemade hot cocoa by cooking it over medium heat and stir continuously.
Hot Chocolate Toppings:
The BEST part about homemade hot chocolate is the toppings and added flavors! We love to make a toppings bar, especially for the holidays and parties.
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint
- White chocolate
- Chocolate syrup
- Sprinkles
- Peppermint sticks
- Chocolate shavings
Nothing beats homemade hot chocolate on a cold day, except maybe hot cocoa and a warm slice of Banana Bread… Mmm.
How to reheat hot cocoa:
- Stovetop – Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warm, stirring frequently.
- Slow Cooker – When serving at a party, we love to keep hot cocoa warm in a slow cooker on the low heat setting.
What to serve with Hot Chocolate:
- Sugar Cookies – our go-to Christmas cut-out cookies
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – with a soft, fudgy center
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – soft, bakery-style
- Oatmeal Cookies – oatmeal coconut cookies
- Chocolate Chip Bar – loaded with chocolate chips
Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla and whisk together.
- Place over medium heat and bring it to a light boil while stirring constantly. Be sure the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated.
- Set aside to cool to your desired temperature and serve with your favorite toppings.
