There's nothing better than a warm mug of Hot Chocolate on a cold winter day. This homemade hot cocoa is made with actual chocolate, melted into milk, and whisked until smooth and creamy. It's rich, sweet, and delicious. You'll wonder why you bothered with the prepackaged mixes for so long!
Have you ever had real hot chocolate? If your hot chocolate comes with powdered anything, it's not the real deal. Cocoa powder doesn't have nearly the same richness and flavor as real chocolate, which is the base of this deceptively simple (and luxurious) hot chocolate recipe. Make a small serving to warm up after a long day out in the snow, or make a big batch, grab all your favorite toppings, and host a hot cocoa bar at your next holiday party. I promise you'll fall in love from the first sip!
Why You'll Love This Hot Chocolate
- Made with real chocolate. Unlike watered-down hot cocoa from those paper packets, homemade hot chocolate starts with a base of real melted chocolate. It's similar to a warm chocolate ganache, thinned until smooth and sippable. It tastes like you splurged on the finest liquid chocolate at a fancy café. It's truly the best!
- Just 3 simple ingredients. You really just need three elements to make your own hot chocolate: milk, chocolate, and vanilla extract. That's it! They're common pantry staples, which means you can make the best hot cocoa ever literally anytime. It's as simple as the powdered mixes (but so much better!).
- Great for the holiday season. During the cold winter months, a nice mug of hot cocoa can warm you up from the inside out! It's like a hug in a mug and makes everything better. This homemade hot chocolate recipe is perfect for any holiday party, brunch, or winter gathering, and is so flavorful, your friends and family will ask for you to be on hot chocolate duty every year.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Hot Chocolate, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- milk - you can use either dairy or non-dairy milk. For an even richer, creamier drink, replace some of the milk with half and half or heavy cream.
- chocolate - grab some quality semi-sweet chocolate and coarsely chop it.
- vanilla extract - a splash of vanilla extract adds an extra aromatic note. But it is totally optional!
- toppings - if you are like me, hot chocolate is all about the toppings! Add your favorite garnishes (totally optional!) including whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate sauce, or shaved chocolate.
You will also need a medium saucepan and whisk.
How to Make the Best Hot Chocolate
- Heat. In a medium saucepan, add milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until smooth (do not boil).
- Serve. Serve immediately as is, or with your favorite toppings including whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Adjust the flavor. Use whichever type of chocolate you prefer (white, milk, or dark chocolate), replace the vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract, or add spices, like a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne, for extra flavor.
- Sweeten to taste. I find that the chocolate has so much flavor and just enough sweetness that you don't really need to add any sugar. But if you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to stir in a little white sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup to taste.
- Pop it in the slow cooker. If you want to serve hot chocolate at a party or to a large crowd, make a big batch on the stove then transfer it to a crock pot and heat it over low. Serve with all your favorite toppings for a homemade hot chocolate bar!
- Make a real mocha. Add a shot of espresso (or two) for the easiest mocha ever. So good!
How to Serve
This Hot Chocolate is delicious served on its own, or paired with some of my favorite cookies including:
- Spritz Cookies
- Pinwheel Cookies
- Samoas Cookies
- Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Brookies Cookies
- Butter Cookies
For more recipes, see our 50 Best Cookie Recipes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don't scorch. I like to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly. Milk scorches and boils very easily, so keep a close eye on it!
- Use a higher-fat milk. For a creamier hot chocolate, use a high fat milk like whole milk, coconut milk, etc. The fat will make the drink extra creamy and luxurious, and also bring out the rich chocolate flavor.
- Use the good stuff. Inexpensive grocery store chocolate chips will work, but you'll get a much more refined, nuanced flavor if you use higher-quality chocolate. Work with your budget, but try to splurge on the chocolate, if you can.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Let any leftover hot chocolate cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
To reheat, warm the leftover cocoa in a small saucepan on the stove until piping hot.
FAQ
Store-bought hot chocolate mix relies on unsweetened cocoa powder, but real hot chocolate is best with actual melted chocolate. I recommend using chocolate bars, instead of chocolate chips, as they melt the best, but either option will work. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate is ideal, as the bitterness will help offset the sweet, creamy flavor.
Technically, you can melt chocolate and warm milk in the microwave, but you'll get the best smoothest consistency and reduce the likelihood of a messy microwave by making your hot chocolate on the stove. The whisking process ensures everything incorporates really well and adds to the silky smooth texture.
In this situation, it's best to use a dairy-free milk, like almond milk or soy milk, and use a vegan chocolate made without added dairy. If your non-dairy milk seems especially thin, add a little non-dairy creamer or coconut cream for a richer, creamier flavor.
More Hot Drink Recipes
- White Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Chai Tea Latte
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider
- Golden Milk Turmeric Latte
- Matcha Latte
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Recipe
Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
There's nothing better than a warm mug of Hot Chocolate on a cold winter day. This homemade hot cocoa is made with actual chocolate, melted into milk, and whisked until smooth and creamy. It's rich, sweet, and delicious. You'll wonder why you bothered with the prepackaged mixes for so long!
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk, dairy or non-dairy
- 8 ounces quality semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Toppings (optional):
- whipped cream
- mini marshmallows
- chocolate sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add milk, chocolate, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until smooth (do not boil).
- Serve immediately as is, or with your favorite toppings including whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Notes
How to store: Let any leftover hot chocolate cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to reheat: To reheat, warm the leftover cocoa in a small saucepan on the stove until piping hot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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