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!
Penne
Amazing flavor! I made it in to go mugs and we had it while driving around looking at Christmas lights. Thank you!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Moscovium+115
Made this for the hubs and i this evening & used Hershey’s coco powder and their chocolate chips – WOW! What a game changer your recipe is! The addition of the chips gave a richer, more creamy cup of hot chocolate that is to die for ? ? ?
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Tracie
This. Was. Fabulous. I didn’t see the smaller serving and made the regular one…drank nearly the whole pot. No regrets.
Allison
Ha! Nothing wrong with that. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Malorie
Absolutely perfection in every sip! Not too sweet, very creamy!
Allison
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Kitty Koniali
Perfect and easy! Thank you!
Angela
My husband wanted hot chocolate tonight but I didn’t have any hot chocolate packets. I made your recipe and we loved it. We will be making it again and again. Thanks!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Marie
Hi there! How will you add shot of nespresso to this hot chocolate recipe? Do we need to make a separate nespresso coffee or just add a nespresso powder? I am planning of making this on christmas day☺️ Thank you’
Allison
You could add a teaspoon (or more to taste) of instant espresso powder, just stir it right in. Or you can add one shot of hot brewed espresso per serving. Just play around with it until you get a strong enough coffee flavor. Enjoy!
Nicole
Delicious! Lovely chocolate flavor without being too sweet.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Nisha
Can we use any chocolate powder instid of coco powder
Allison
What kind of chocolate powder are you referring to? Like hot cocoa mix? If it is sweetened you could probably reduce or eliminate the granulated sugar. Feel free to play around with it, it’s a pretty forgiving recipe.
Moni
Made this for four very picky girls during a sleepover. I added marshmallows at the end and it was kid approved.
Allison
How fun! I’m glad they enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 🙂
Fariha Uddin
If I take this along with me to serve to others in a Thermal Cerafe will it still taste good?
Allison
It should taste fine. Make sure it stays hot, once the chocolate chips cool they will firm up.
Ann L
Pretty good hot chocolate, we omitted the chips second time bc it was too rich. Otherwise great recipe
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Christine
This looks delicious!! I’m definitely going to make some for Christmas Eve tomorrow!