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!
Carol
Thanks, this easy recipe made very nice hot cocoa on a cold winter afternoon. It does make more than 2 cups, though — and that’s a good thing.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Lynn Moratz
Delish! So much better than a mix— No comparison.
Allison
I love hearing that! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Amanda Chatham
I’ve made this for my father for the past two or so years. He enjoys it better than the packet versions. With this recipe I can substitute for sugar free options. Mom and I drink it with the sugar free sugar and Hershey chips and it’s still better than the store bought packets.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by.
Maya✨
This is a great recipe and it is so easy and delicious. I love that there are measurements for smaller servings!
Allison
That’s great to hear. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Matilda
This is an easy, quick, and good recipe. I would use again. I did however use dark chocolate chips. I served with a dollop of cool whip. DELICIOUS!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hot Chocolate Lover
So much better than dry mixes. Best hot cocoa I have ever had!
Allison
Great to hear! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Tenley
I loved this so much!Best hot chocolate ever!
Allison
Yay! Thanks for the kind review. 🙂
Susan
Easy and delicious. It was a big hit with my son-in-law and granddaughter.
Allison
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Autumn
Super rich and creamy. Not too sweet. Delicious recipe!
Allison
Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Nadine
An amazing hot chocolate base! Options are endless. Different flavored chocolate bars, a candy cane stir stick, whipped cream topping or mini marshmallows. Just awesome
Allison
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂