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!
Sharon
Omg this was so good it was even better then the hot coco we get out side every one in my family rated a 10/10 including me definitely recommend this ?
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Cindy
Made it several times this holiday season and spiked with a shot of Baileys and it is very warming and delicious! Thank you for sharing such an easy and yummy recipe!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Carol K
Lord have mercy! This is a great Xmas gift that my husband (who is a self-proclaimed foodie and a super picky eater) said ? and then “aren’t you glad I asked you to make me some?” … you’re just lucky that Allison here came up with this remarkable recipe! Thanks and happy holidays to you – this made ours even better!
Allison
I’m so happy to hear that. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Bobbie Martin
This hot chocolate is pure perfection!!
This will be my go to recipe from now on! Thanks
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Missi Tkacsik
We made this for Christmas Eve and it was delicious. I did 1/2 dark chocolate and 1/2 white chocolate chips and doubled the vanilla. This will be our new go to recipe!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Gabi
Literally the hot cocoa of my dreams. Easy and quick, not overly sweet, yet creamy and rich. Would definitely make again ❤️
Allison
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Tharani rajesh
I just tried this recipe today. It was a super hit , especially my son loved it???. Thanks for the yummylicious recipe. Merry xmas ???
Allison
Yay! I’m so glad. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Heather Steinberg
It’s Christmas morning and I’m loving this! So tasty!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Nicole Labreche
Can I make this a couple of hours ahead of the time I want to serve it and keep it hot in a crock pot?
Allison
That should be fine. You’ll likely need to stir it periodically. I also have a Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe if you want to try that.
Michelle
Super easy and so delicious! I used my immersion blender to mix it and it was so creamy and perfect after a day in the snow.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Kristen
Wonderful! Never had hot chocolate from scratch before, so this was really special.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂