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!
Harper
I loved it! I put some candy cane extract in it and it taste so good!
Tenley
Try chocolate mug cakes!
Lauren
I made this for a quick movie night. It was so easy and my kids loved it! I hardly ever write reviews, but the ease and flavor of this recipe made me want to. I especially love how you gave the different measurements for smaller servings. I don’t think I’ll buy the boxed hot chocolate mix again!
Allison
Thanks for the kind review, Lauren. 🙂
Candrice Stephens
I’ve been making this all Christmas season and I love it.
Allison
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Kelsee
Love this recipe!
Allison
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Tania
Great easy and tasty recipe. I appreciate you taking the time to write out the measurements for smaller servings as well, as I did need to make a smaller batch. This will be in our regular recipes book. Thank you so much!
Allison
You’re welcome!
Melody Lynn Zarro
My kids said “That hit the spot!” Delicious! No more packet hot chocolate again! Thank you for the recipe;)
Allison
Haha! I love hearing that. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Shannon O'Connor
We just got hit with a major Winter Storm here in the Pacific Northwest, and I was in desperate need of some hot chocolate to warm my bones. I just made a batch of this Homemade Hot Chocolate and it is absolutely delicious! So rich and tasty! I didn’t have any granulated sugar on hand, so I substituted the granulated sugar with brown sugar. Best homemade hot chocolate ever! Highly recommend!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Stay warm. 🙂
Ginger
Thank you so much, especially for the smaller versions too ❤️
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
April
Fantastic!!! Not to sweet and perfect for a cold day!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
sofia
amazing