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 and a pinch of salt (if desired), 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!
Alexandra Whitaker says
Are there any recommendations/instructions for prepping this before an event then reheating in like a crockpot?
Allison Mattina says
Hi! The crock pot version is here: crock pot hot chocolate recipe.
Jossely Marie Hlaban says
Wow! The best hot chocolate!! It tastes like a candy bar, but rich and decadent.
Allison Mattina says
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Kristof says
I started off following the recipe exactly, but the last year I started making it my own. I start off by incorporating the cocoa powder into a heaping tablespoon of plain greek yogurt. Then blending the sugar into it. Blending it into one cup half’n’half. Dash of red pepper (cayenne), then the vanilla extract. Heat to a slow simmer, and add half a hershey’s milk chocolate bar. Stir until its melted in, then cool down to drink.
Lucas Felch says
Really good cocoa overall, but I found the vanilla to be a bit strong for my taste. I think that was just a me problem, because everyone else thought it was fine, but I did end up halving the amount called for, and it was pretty much perfect then.
Allison Mattina says
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Leslie says
Very, very sweet! Seen the high rating and thought I would give it a try. I thought it was too sweet, ended up adding more milk.
Allison Mattina says
Feel free to reduce the sugar and use bittersweet chocolate chips to make it less sweet.
suzanne says
Best hot chocolate i’ve made, no lie!!
Mini says
Yum! This recipe is giving me all the winter vibes. I especially loved your tip about making it extra creamy- it makes a huge difference!
Leslie Washington says
I’ve made the single serve twice now, very delicious and my 3 year old loved it. I made it a second time and added it to my coffee, it’s the best Mocha I’ve had in a long time. Thanks so much!
Allison Mattina says
You’re welcome! 🙂
Amiah Rogers says
perfect hot chocolate for the winter
it was super easy, no margin for error.
it’s the perfect sweetness not too sweet not too bitter. paired really well with a peppermint, cinnamon, whipped cream, and marshmallows. 10/10 will be making this again
Allison Mattina says
Thanks for the kind review. 🙂
Hi says
Can you make this without chocolate chips?
Allison Mattina says
Sure! And if it’s not chocolaty enough you can add a little more cocoa powder and sugar.