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!
Michael
Rich and flavorful, I used bittersweet chocolate as recommended. So good that I felt compelled to share some with my upstairs neighbors and they were also very pleased. Thanks for the recipe!!
By the way, some dark rum and/or Kaluha really goes a long way with this recipe ?
Allison
That sounds DELICIOUS! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Lolly Rodgers
Oh that sounds good. When I shop I’ll get the coco powder n make some. On these cold mornings wow!
Matthew
amazing
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Austin
It’s the best hot chocolate I have ever had. Would totally recommend it for anyone.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Mike
I added a bit of ground cayenne pepper. Best hot cocoa I have ever had
Allison
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Karen Wynn VanderWindt
I’ve made this several times and it is very delicious and very easy! Thanks!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
wanda testerman
Very good. I will make again. With cool weather coming this recipe will be great!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Danny
It was just what I needed this morning. Delicious. I might cut back on the suger next time but it is very good as written.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Kim
I can’t wait to make this all winter! I’ve been searching for the perfect hot chocolate recipe, and this is it!
Allison
Yay! Enjoy! 🙂
Kim
Super easy and delicious! So glad I ran out of hot cocoa packets and had to search for a homemade recipe. No comparison – I’ll never go back ?
Allison
Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
alex
this was without a doubt the best hot cocoa I and my sisters have ever had
Allison
Yay! I’m so glad! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Aida Bekaryan
Can I still make this without chocolate chips?
Allison
Sure, it just won’t be as chocolaty. You can add another tablespoon or two of cocoa powder and granulated sugar, if desired.