Description

This Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and indulgent treat perfect for cozying up on a cold day. Made with whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and bittersweet chocolate, it combines deep chocolate flavor with a smooth texture. Enhanced with vanilla extract and topped with homemade whipped cream, this delicious hot cocoa is easy to prepare on the stovetop in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Hot Chocolate Base

2 ½ cups whole milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 oz bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk, or dairy-free chocolate)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Serving

Homemade whipped cream

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Instructions

Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add 2 ½ cups of whole milk, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir to combine the dry ingredients with the milk before heating.
Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the mixture, whisking occasionally. Heat until it just begins to bubble around the edges but avoid bringing it to a full boil to prevent scorching or curdling.
Add chocolate and vanilla: Reduce the heat to low, then add 6 oz of chopped bittersweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Serve: Pour the hot chocolate evenly into 4 small mugs. Top each serving with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

6 oz chocolate is roughly equivalent to 1 cup of chopped chocolate.
For a creamier drink, substitute whole milk with half milk and half heavy cream or half and half.
Use any milk type for dairy-free options, such as full-fat coconut milk for best flavor.
Use pure unsweetened cocoa powder; for a darker chocolate flavor, choose dark cocoa powder.
Swap granulated sugar for organic cane sugar or coconut sugar if preferred.
Choose semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. Milk or white chocolate will make the drink sweeter.
For a vegan or dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based milks.
Add complementary extracts like peppermint for a flavor twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250 ml)
Calories: 230
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg