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!
trisha
amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *burps*
Mani
great, thanks
Shelly
I was looking for a hot chocolate recipe for a big group of people and came across this and was wondering if I would be able to make a big batch. Also can this be made ahead of time and just reheated?
Allison
Hi, Shelly. Yes to both of your questions. You can also try our Crock Pot Hot Chocolate which is great for a crowd.
Taylor swift
Do I have to add vanilla because mine is over?
Allison
No, you can leave it out.
MLP
Sweet
Reduce the sugar.
Also chocolate chips are not a good idea. Use dark chocolate bars instead
Michael
I made this for my family and liked it, but it was VERY sweet and rich. Even using the quantities shown it was too decadent. It was delicious though if you reduce the sugar by quite a bit.
Sam
Omg that’s all I can say I don’t even like hot chocolate I made it for my kids decided to try it I’ll never buy packets of hot chocolate again
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Kennedy
Sooooooo good!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Amy
Good! Not awesome, hence the four stars. I did tweak it a bit however. I used only half a tablespoon of sugar, and 2 ghirardelli chocolate squares instead of the chocolate chips. I cut the chocolate very small but it didn’t melt as smoothly as I might have liked. This recipe is a keeper and I sure am glad to have found it! Tip: Add crushed candy cane.
Sarah
I’ve made this several times now, the packets are no longer in my house! I would assume for those saying it was too sweet used semisweet chocolate chips? You absolutely need the sugar when using unsweetened powder and bittersweet chocolate. Dark chocolate also works well if you want to cut the sweetness. I make this as-is and it’s absolutely delicious. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Allison
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Nancy
Easy and delicious without chocolate chips.
Allison
Great! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
MH
Easy and delicious!!!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
RiRi
I made the one cup recipe. The only changes I made was I used 2% lactose free milk and 1 Tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate chips and it was PERFECT! Not too sweet at all.I topped it with whipped cream sprinkled with a little cinnamon. I turned on the fireplace, put on a Christmas movie and really enjoyed my cup of hot cocoa and a little ME time. Just what I needed. Thanks so much for this delicious recipe.
Allison
That sounds wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂