Homemade White Hot Chocolate is a rich, sweet, and decadent drink that is so quick and easy to make at home from scratch. You may seriously rethink every hot chocolate experience you’ve ever had after just one cup of this homemade version made with just 3 ingredients including real chocolate. Just in time for the holidays!
In as little as 15 minutes you can serve up tall glasses of warm, creamy, velvety white chocolate as a winter treat or holiday beverage — and only five minutes of active preparation. Pull out this recipe for your next holiday movie marathon and create unforgettable Christmas memories with your loved ones.
Why You'll Love this White Hot Chocolate
- Perfect for white chocolate lovers. If you fall on the white chocolate side of the dark-versus-light debate, you’ll love a mug of this modern hot chocolate with white chocolate!
- Only 5 ingredients! Ditch the mix without making things complicated. This hot chocolate recipe makes luscious white chocolate refreshments by adding milk, vanilla, whipped cream and marshmallows to the white chocolate(plus optional garnishes).
- Made with real white chocolate. This hot chocolate with white chocolate gets its namesake flavor by using real, high-quality melted white chocolate. No powders, imitations or artificial flavors here!
Ingredient Notes
To make easy homemade White Hot Chocolate, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- milk - you can use traditional dairy or replace it with your preferred plant-based milk instead!
- white chocolate - use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- vanilla extract - you can also use an equal measure of vanilla bean paste.
Optional Toppings and Mix-ins
- whipped cream - use canned whipped cream to make things easier or whip your own if you have time!
- mini marshmallows - you can use vegan marshmallows if necessary.
- crushed candy canes - crush candy canes in a ziplock bag
- sprinkles - use your favorite holiday sprinkles to add a pop of color!
- caramel
- maple syrup
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a saucepan.
How to Make the Best White Hot Chocolate
In a medium saucepan, add milk, white chocolate, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until smooth (do not boil).
Serve immediately with toppings.
How to Serve
White Hot Chocolate is one of my favorite cozy drinks to enjoy in the cooler fall and winter months. We love serving it with a batch of our favorite homemade holiday cookies, including:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Butter Pecan Cookies
- Almond Crescent Cookies
- Italian Ricotta Cookies
- Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Lemon Drop Cookies
See all of our favorite cookie recipes: 50 Best Cookie Recipes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose your white chocolate carefully. Because there are so few ingredients, the quality of the white chocolate is especially important. Look for high quality white chocolate with cocoa butter listed in the first few ingredients and an off-white or yellowish tint to it.
- Make it foamy. Use a handheld frothing whisk to create a layer of foam on the top of each white hot chocolate before adding the whipped cream to create more fluffy, pillowy texture.
- Thicken it up. Everyone has an ideal hot chocolate consistency — some like it watery-thin and some like it as thick as melted chocolate itself. You can give this white hot chocolate a little more body by adding more melted chocolate, using a higher-fat milk (or adding a little heavy cream), or adding a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the mix.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Allow any leftover white hot chocolate to cool to room temperature, then carefully pour the white hot chocolate into a liquid container with an airtight lid (like a large mason jar or sealed pitcher). Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze
Once cooled to room temperature, pour leftover white hot chocolate into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid (usually 2-6 hours), then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, reheat from frozen on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
More Drink Recipes
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Non-Alcoholic Homemade Eggnog
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider
- Golden Milk Turmeric Latte
- Turmeric Ginger Tea
- Matcha Milk Tea
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Recipe
White Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade White Hot Chocolate is a rich, sweet, and decadent drink that is so quick and easy to make at home from scratch. You may seriously rethink every hot chocolate experience you’ve ever had after just one cup of this homemade version made with just 3 ingredients including real chocolate. Just in time for the holidays!
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk, dairy or non-dairy
- 8 ounces quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional garnishes:
- whipped cream
- mini marshmallows
- crushed candy canes
- sprinkles
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add milk, white chocolate, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until smooth (do not boil).
- Serve immediately with toppings.
Notes
How to store: Allow any leftover white hot chocolate to cool to room temperature, then carefully pour the white hot chocolate into a liquid container with an airtight lid (like a large mason jar or sealed pitcher). Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to freeze: Once cooled to room temperature, pour leftover white hot chocolate into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid (usually 2-6 hours), then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, reheat from frozen on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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