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!
Yunna W.
It’s really good! A little too sweet, just adjust sugar or milk to your liking. Added couple of table spoons of Bailey’s (to my single serving), it takes away some of the sweetness.
Angie
Delicious recipe! Thank you for sharing this with everyone :). I followed the recipe; the only difference is that I added a small amount of semi-sweet chocolate pieces, which turned out to my liking! I recommend this recipe to anyone who enjoys homemade chocolate milk — cheers.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by!
Lynn
I do this but I don’t use real sugar, I love it with Splenda and Russell Stover sugar free chocolate candy. I also, add coffee sometimes [making it with half of each in a 2 cup mug] giving me my morning boost! 😊
Maureen
Just tried this recipe. My daughter who loves hot cocoa said it’s the best she has ever had! That is high praise indeed! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Peggy Rhodes
Is this safe to refrigerate a couple days and heat up a cup at the time as desired.
Allison
That should be ok. I wouldn’t reheat more than once. Make sure it gets hot enough so the chocolate melts.
Elizabeth Monge
I just made the hot chocolate and it’s delicious.
We all love it. Excellent recipe. Thank you!!!
Allison
I’m so glad! You’re welcome!
Payal and Yaana
Just made this. My daughter loved it. A little sweet for my liking yet finished the whole cup. 🙂
El
Delicious. Added a dash of cinnamon and a few splashes of cold milk to taste. Nothing like homemade hot chocolate. No comparison to store bought.
Allison
Perfect! Glad you enjoyed it.
Diana
Doesn’t require ANY sugar- far too sweet if you’re a dark chocolate person. Used dark chocolate chips- very rich without tasting like a child’s treat.
Sarah
Hi! Can I use heavy whipping cream or a milk substitute like oat milk for this?
Allison
Sure! I wouldn’t use all heavy cream, that would be too rich. A milk substitute would be fine, just adjust the sugar accordingly. Enjoy!
Christine
Delicious. I really appreciate the inclusion of a one serving recipe.
Hannah
Hello! I love hot chocolate and can’t wait to try this recipe! I like having hot chocolate in the morning to take to work, but I find myself short on time most days so have to go without. Do you think if I made a batch of this that it would keep well in a container and I can warm it up throughout the week for work? Thanks!
Allison
I’m guessing it should be ok to reheat individual portions as needed. Just make sure it gets hot enough to melt the chocolate chips. Enjoy!