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!
Kate
Delicious! I add a pinch of cinnamon to mine! My nephew loved it
Payton
This was so good it was really chocolate and idk if that was me but it was really good other wise
B
Made one single cup and it was just a tiny too sweet but that was easy to fix just added extra milk!
Michelle
Made this for my Granddaughter after a long day shopping. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon 😋 I made mine boozy with Rumchata! Soo good! We’ll be making this one on repeat all season. Thank you!!
Allison
That sounds perfect! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Allison
I was going to make this ahead for a baby shower and warm it back up in a crockpot, do you think that will work? I only ask because you note to serve immediately. Thank you!!
Allison
Hi! I’m not sure about taking the milk from chilled to hot to chilled to hot again. I actually have a crock pot chocolate recipe you can use. Enjoy!
Christina
This was really good! My whole family enjoyed it. It’s chocolatey but not too rich. It’s has the perfect balance of sweetness. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Sarah
Delicious! Just made a single serving and it was so good !
Allison
That’s great! I’m so glad!
Jamie Orcutt Miles
Love this. Can even add peppermint flavor as well I bet
Jodi
Great recipe! I made this in my milk frother and it was wonderful on this snowy day!
Allison
Perfect! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Parrish Liz
Delicious
Veronica
Super easy to make, delicious and got a two thumbs up from my kids! We added whip cream, marshmallows, fun sprinkles & a candy cane too, but is also perfect just on it’s own, thank you!
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂