Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate. A combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips make this hot chocolate extra flavorful and delicious! Ready in minutes.
Homemade Hot Chocolate: You sweet, creamy heavenly thing. If you were wondering how I would like to spend every December evening, it is curled up, with my hands wrapped around a warm mug of hot chocolate. Bonus points if that hot chocolate is topped with freshly whipped cream and a heavy sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate.
Filed under the list of things I will not consume: frosting from a tub, cool whip, and hot chocolate out of a packet. Friends, it is so incredibly easy to make Homemade Hot Chocolate. Put down that powdery packet! Throw a handful of real ingredients into a saucepan and you will have Homemade Hot Chocolate in minutes! It’s simple, delicious, and so much more satisfying than the store-bought stuff.
Homemade Hot Chocolate
This recipe is made with a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The cocoa powder adds the distinct “hot cocoa” flavor, and the chocolate chips melt into the mixture making this drink extra creamy, rich and luxurious. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out all that chocolaty flavor and makes this what I consider the perfect Homemade Hot Chocolate.
- Place the milk of your choice in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Using milk instead of water, makes this hot chocolate extra creamy and flavorful. I prefer whole milk or 2% milk, but you can choose any milk that you choose (I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk).
- Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar, and heat until warm.
- Once the milk is warm, add chocolate chips, whisking until they melt into the milk.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract.
- Serve immediately, topped with your favorite garnishes: marshmallows, whipped cream, chopped chocolate, crushed candy canes or more.
One of the wonderful things about making hot chocolate from scratch is that you can make it exactly the way you want it!
- Want it extra rich? Add some half and half.
- Want it less sweet? Use bittersweet/dark chocolate chips.
- Want it healthier? Use skim milk or almond milk, and reduce the sugar a touch.
- Want flavored hot chocolate? Add cinnamon, peppermint extract, a shot of espresso, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
The options are endless!
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Recipe
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (but not boiling). Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk. Whisk in vanilla extract, serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
Magen Fawkes
So good 🙂 has anyone tried to store and reheat it?
Allison
That should be fine. You can also make a smaller serving as needed (see notes section of the recipe).
M
That’s a fantastic cup of hot chocolate! Not too sweet.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Margaret S
This recipe was delicious! I followed the single serving recipe and put it in the microwave. It worked like a charm! I’m 9 months pregnant at Thanksgiving and obviously couldn’t partake in wine, so this was a nice treat to enjoy while we all sat around and chatted before dinner. I’ll hold on to this recipe for spiking with peppermint schnapps after the baby arrives! Thank you
Allison
Great idea! Happy holidays!
Yolanda
I normally don’t leave reviews but this genuinely was so creamy and delicious! Can’t wait to make for my whole family at Christmas!
Allison
That’s great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Chani Diller
Definitely way more flavor than the packets! Almost a little too rich for me so I may make some adjustments.
Janie
Wow! You’re right, I’ll never buy cocoa pa let’s again. Wish I’d had some peppermint to add. Super easy and super creamy with the half and half added.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
jan voght
Bougie! Using this recipe a lot!
ANN K NADEAU
This is easy and yummy!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Claire
Super super good and rich!!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Lindsey M.
It was terrific! Thanks so much for sharing.
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂