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!
MORE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES:
NEVER MISS A RECIPE!
SUBSCRIBE to our free EMAIL LIST – LIKE us on FACEBOOK – Follow on INSTAGRAM
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!
Corina
So, so good! Best hot chocolate I have ever made.
Wondering if you have ideas or a recipe for a mocha hot chocolate?
Celebrating Sweets
I’m glad you enjoyed it! You can try adding a couple teaspoons of instant espresso powder, or 1-2 shots of espresso to each serving of hot chocolate to add a coffee flavor.
Thanks for stopping by!
Nichole royer
Very good and easy
Celebrating Sweets
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
H
Delicious! Our grandkiddoes loved this with giant marshmallows and whipped cream on top. Thank you?
Celebrating Sweets
Wonderful! Thanks for stopping by. Happy holidays!
Nellie Tracy
Hot chocolate is a holiday must! This recipe is amazing!!
Jessica
It now seems silly that I ever bought hot chocolate mix when it is so easy to make at home. This was totally tasty and I will make it again.
Celebrating Sweets
Yay! Thanks for commenting. Enjoy!
Kat
This hot chocolate is amazing! It’s not to bitter or sweet. Do you think I could do 1/4 of the recipe to make a single serving?
Celebrating Sweets
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yes, you can reduce the recipe down to a single serving, I’ve done it several times. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Pat
Perfect on a yucky day! Love it!
Trixie
This is seriously the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had!!its absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
MMMmmmm?☕️
Celebrating Sweets
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Rivka
So creamy and delicious, and simple to make. Thank you!
Celebrating Sweets
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Tara S
Yum!! Thank you!!
Celebrating Sweets
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Kristen E.
I used almond milk, 1/4 semi sweet chips and 1/4 milk chocolate chips. It was the best hot cocoa ever.
Celebrating Sweets
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂