Creamy, rich homemade hot chocolate made with real chocolate and cocoa powder is the perfect drink for a cold winter's day. This hot cocoa recipe is ready in minutes, and you only need four simple ingredients!
Why you will love my recipe for homemade hot chocolate
- The combination of chocolate and cocoa powder gives your hot chocolate a rich flavor and a soft, creamy texture. The creamy texture gives the drink a luxurious touch, making it perfect for the holidays!
- It is perfect for cold winter days. Warm up with a big cup of homemade hot chocolate after a fun day of ice skating, hiking in the woods with your family, or on a rainy afternoon.
- Homemade hot chocolate only takes a few minutes to make. This is not just as long as it takes to use a mix, but is it also so much better than store-bought!
Ingredients
Milk: I always use whole milk when I make hot chocolate.
Chocolate: My secret to making the best hot chocolate is to add a little bit of my favorite chocolate. The chocolate gives the drink a rich, creamy texture and adds a subtle sweetness. I prefer using dark chocolate, but you can use any type of chocolate you prefer.
Sugar: To make this recipe, it doesn't matter what type of sugar you use. To give your hot cocoa an extra depth of flavor, I recommend using brown sugar. You can also use brown sugar simple syrup to sweeten your homemade hot chocolate.
Cocoa powder: For an extra intense chocolate flavor, we add cocoa powder. Dutch cocoa powder is best, but you can use any type as long as it is unsweetened.
Variations
Mint hot chocolate: Stir in a drop of peppermint extract or top with crushed candy canes for an amazing cup of mint hot chocolate.
Coconut: If you're a fan of the combination of chocolate and coconut, you absolutely have to try making this recipe with coconut milk instead of milk. The sweet coconut adds a mild tropical flavor to your hot chocolate, making this recipe vegan. If you're serving it for a party, you can add a little bit of Malibu for your adult guests!
Dark chocolate: For dark chocolate milk, you swab the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate, add one tablespoon of cocoa powder, and use dark brown sugar.
How to make hot chocolate
To make homemade hot cocoa, you add all the ingredients except the chocolate to a saucepan. Turn on the heat and warm the milk until bubbles appear on the side of your pan. You must keep stirring to prevent burning the milk. The cocoa powder will float on top of the milk, but it will incorporate once the milk gets warmer, I promise.
Keep stirring until you have a smooth mixture and the sugar has completely melted. It can take a while for all the cocoa powder to incorporate, but keep going; you will get there.
Once almost all lumps are gone, it is time to turn off the heat and add the chocolate. Slowly stir until the chocolate is melted, and pour the hot cocoa into your cups. Serve it warm with a big dollop of heavy cream and your favorite toppings.
My tips for the best homemade hot chocolate
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. This gives your hot cocoa an extra deep chocolate flavor and a dark brown color.
- Heat up your milk slowly. Allowing the milk to heat up slowly prevents it from burning and makes it easier to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Keep stirring while the chocolate melts. This will make sure the chocolate is incorporated and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
Frequently asked questions
Slowly heat the milk and use a good-quality chocolate. Using the best chocolate, like Callebaut or Lindt, makes all the difference!
Sure. You can make your cocoa the day before you want to serve it to your guests. Make sure to warm it right before you are ready to enjoy your drink and give it a quick mix to incorporate all the ingredients.
Absolutely! You can swab the milk and chocolate for a vegan variety.
Storage
Homemade hot chocolate will keep for a few days in the fridge. It is also suitable for freezing. Frozen, it will last for up to six months. When you're ready to serve, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw slowly in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. You don't have to thaw it! Pour it into a popsicle mould to make amazing chocolate popsicles!
More of my favorite hot chocolate recipes
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Print Recipe
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 8 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup chocolate chopped or chips
Instructions
- If you're using a chocolate bar, start by chopping it into small pieces.
- Add your milk, sugar, and cocoa powder to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
- Turn off when the milk starts to bubble at the sides.
- Add the chocolate and keep stirring until the chocolate has melted and you have a smooth mixture.
- Pour your homemade chocolate milk into your glasses and serve while it's still hot.
This hot cocoa is SO creamy and delicious, 10/10!