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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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!
Erin Slack
Perfect. No other words are needed!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Bethany
Husband said it was the best hot chocolate he’d ever had. Used equal parts whole milk and half and half. Also cut granulated sugar in half. Thanks for the great recipe!
Allison
You’re welcome! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Jayhawk Fan
Good recipe! Beats the cheap stuff that comes in a canisters.
Zoe
Used soy milk and honey, but forgot the vanilla extract. Still turned out great!
Tammy Jo
Ooh this is so Delicious!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Tricia
Hi! Do you think you could make this in advance and reheat the following day?
Allison
That should be fine. Enjoy!
Amrita
Perfect! This is what coffee shops should serve when they charge you $5 for a cup of hot chocolate.
Allison
Agree! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Amanda Brumfield
I only have milk chocolate chips today. Think it would work out fine if I used those instead?
Allison
Sure. You can reduce the sugar a bit if you don’t want it too sweet. Enjoy!
Rylee
Wow, this is really amazing. I’ve always used the storebought powder kind, but after trying this out for the first time I don’t think I can go back. Although this recipe takes a little longer and requires more attention than instant hot chocolate, it is so worth it! Absolutely delicious topped with whipped cream and marshmallows and perfect for a study session, winter day, or just curling up with a good book.
Allison
Thanks for the kind review. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Anais
Made it for me and my boyfriend. I used oat milk because I’m dairy free and it tastes just like the hot cocoa I used to drink when I was young. I’ll definitely be making this again!!! Delicious!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Maylani
I love this recipe! It is so yummy! I left you a FIVE STAR rating! 🙂
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂