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!
Dorian
This recipe is really good! Personally I add espresso powder I made the small batch and added maybe 1/16th teaspoon it really deepens the flavour
Allison
That sounds great! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Lesa
What a perfect end to a fall bike ride! I used Ghirardelli premium cocoa powder, chopped 72% dark chocolate and a pinch of espresso powder, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Delicious!!
Allison
That sounds fantastic! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Hayley Carew
Tastes absolutely beautiful 😍 will be making this over Christmas
Allison
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Lexi
I really liked this recipe! Personally, it was a little too sweet, so I added more milk. The serving for 2 was the exact amount I needed. 10/10
Ashley K
I was looking for a quick easy recipe because I didn’t want to drive to Starbucks for a hot chocolate. This is perfect! I never leave comments but I needed to. Anyone who stumbles on this page, make this, you won’t regret it!
Allison
Thanks for the kind review. I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Ruchi
This is my go to recipe for hot chocolate! I make this every time my husband craves hot chocolat 😍
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Joshua
If I wanted to add half and half how much would I use
Allison
You could replace up to half of the milk with half and half for a more rich hot chocolate. Enjoy!
Nadia
So easy, quick and delicious. My son loved it! Will be making it again
Allison
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Emma
Hi is there a way to make this recipe without milk.
Allison
You can use plant-based milk, but you will need “milk” of some kind.
MaryEllen Hall
So easy and you cab control the sugar and calories. I used 2% milk and stevia instead of sugar… so I could add Irish Cream without adding “extra” sugar or calories. Lol
Allison
Ha! Great idea. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
aa
You have made the best recipie
Allison
Thanks!
Sharyn
Sooo very good!! Put a nip of salted caramel pinnacle vodka in it, made an extra nice treat!!
Allison
That sounds great! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Denny Farley
Loveing this hot cocoa right now thank you Sweets
Allison
You’re welcome! Enjoy!