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!
Bellarose Aguilar
Can I say first of all this was the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. And I’m so grateful that they added the smaller servings to because I only made it for two people.
Allison
Perfect! That’s great to hear. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Sanz
Loved the fact that you put measurements for smaller servings. Thank you so much!
Allison
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Jen
Very good! SUPER chocolately, so I had to add more milk. My husband, 5 and 4 year olds, and I are drinking this right now. It’s a hit! My son likes a little cinnamon on his, adds a little kick! We will be making this again and again, I am sure. Thanks for the recipe!
Allison
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
A Hughes
very good and easy to make. I used half and half plus 2% milk and it was rich and creamy. Also added almond extract instead of vanilla and it was delicious… might try peppermint extract too.
Allison
That sounds delicious! Enjoy!
Aline
I tried this recipe and it tasted so yummy. Family loved it.
Thanks
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Bo
This recipe is good, but underwhelming. Reminded me of instant hot chocolate tbh. I would definitely make tweaks to it if you’re going to make it because it’s almost too bitter and not sweet enough.
Allison
You can always add more sugar if you want it sweeter. Also, if you use milk chocolate it will be sweeter than if you use semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Julie
I’ve made it several times already and I love it! It’s so good! I’m thinking about adding some peppermint extract for some Christmas flavor when it comes to Christmas again. It’s delicious!
Allison
Yes, that would be delicious! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Ren
Delish! I made this with unsweetened vanilla almond milk because my son is lactose intolerant and it was perfect. Can’t wait to make with whole milk for myself to get that super creamy cocoa. Yum!
P.S. Whoever thinks this isn’t sweet enough as is, is insane lol. Perfection
Allison
Thanks for the kind review! 🙂
Mrs. Thomas
I made 2 servings instead of 4. Came out very good. Next I’m going to try a vegan version!
Allison
That should work. I know several people who have used dairy free milk and chocolate chips successfully. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Natalie
Mmmmmm…so delicious! ??
The family loved this recipe!
Thank you for sharing.
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂