May 30, 2023
Review RecipeHomemade Hot Chocolate
A cold day isn't complete without warm mugs of homemade hot chocolate. The rich flavors of the chocolate mixed with the creamy milk and fun toppings will make this a drink to enjoy.
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Who doesn’t love a steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate on a cold winter day? This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also delicious and satisfying with real chocolate, creamy milk, and sweet, decadent toppings.
Our crockpot peppermint hot chocolate and whipped hot chocolate are two more drinks full of chocolatey goodness.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Canned whipped topping (optional topping)
- Chocolate shavings (optional topping)
- Miniature marshmallows (optional topping)
- Chocolate syrup (optional topping)
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
MILK: In this homemade recipe, you can substitute low-fat or nonfat milk for the whole milk and heavy cream, but it will not be as rich.
PEPPERMINT: You can add ½ teaspoon of peppermint flavoring for a minty version of this great recipe. You can also add crushed candy canes to your cocoa for even more mintiness.
VANILLA: You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a hint of vanilla sweetness in this hot chocolate.
WHITE CHOCOLATE: For a white hot chocolate version, substitute 1 cup of white chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Depending on your preference, you could use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate in this recipe.
How to Make This Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
STEP ONE: Using a 3 to 4 quart saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, white sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla. Continue whisking for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is hot but not bubbling.
PRO TIP:
If you want your hot chocolate to be not quite as sweet, you can add less sugar to the mixture.
STEP TWO: Add the chocolate chips to the hot milk mixture and continue whisking until the chocolate melts completely.
PRO TIP:
Cocoa and chocolate can settle at the bottom of the pot. To avoid burning your homemade hot cocoa, make sure to cook it over medium heat and stir continuously.
STEP THREE: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour your creamy hot cocoa into mugs and top with the whipped cream topping, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and chocolate syrup.
How to Serve
Curl up in front of the fireplace on a cold night with a big mug of this creamy hot chocolate. The rich cocoa flavor and fun toppings will delight everyone you serve it to. Add a tasty plate of snowball cookies or butter cookies for a sweet treat on the side.
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container or jar. Stir well before reheating.
Skip the hot chocolate mix with the best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste. The intense chocolate flavor and cream blend to create a perfect winter drink. It’s like a warm hug in a mug!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
This delicious recipe would be yummy with non-dairy options such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Can I store leftovers of this hot chocolate?
This homemade version of hot chocolate will keep in the fridge for up to two days in a sealed jar.
Does hot chocolate have caffeine?
Unsweetened cocoa powder does naturally contain caffeine, so hot cocoa does have some caffeine which can give you a little boost.
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- Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino
- Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Chocolate Delight
Homemade Hot Chocolate
A cold day isn't complete without warm mugs of homemade hot chocolate. The rich flavors of the chocolate mixed with the creamy milk and fun toppings will make this a drink to enjoy.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- whipped topping optional topping
- chocolate shavings optional topping
- miniature marshmallows optional topping
- chocolate syrup optional topping
Instructions
- Using a 3 to 4 quart saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla. Continue whisking for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is hot but not bubbling.
- Add the chocolate chips and continue whisking until the chips are completely melted.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour into mugs and top with whipped topping, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and chocolate syrup.
Notes
PRO TIP: If you want your hot chocolate to be not quite as sweet, you can add less sugar to the mixture.
PRO TIP: Cocoa and chocolate can settle at the bottom of the pot. To avoid burning your homemade hot cocoa, make sure to cook it over medium heat and stir continuously.
Nutrition
Calories: 653kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 1194IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 278mg | Iron: 3mg
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Comments
Jana says
Delicious, rich, and creamy – reminds me of my grandma’s at her house after sledding when I was little.