Homemade Hot Chocolate

4.94 from 935 votes

Modified: Dec 22, 2018 · Published: Dec 22, 2018 by Allison Mattina · 1,172 Comments

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:

WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE

SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE

NUTELLA HOT CHOCOLATE

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Recipe

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate. A combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips make this hot chocolate extra flavorful and delicious! Ready in minutes.

4.94 from 935 votes

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 6

Servings: 4 (see note for smaller servings)

Calories: 323kcal

Author: Allison Mattina

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 and a pinch of salt (if desired), serve immediately.