Description
This easy homemade hot chocolate recipe is rich, creamy, and made with real cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the most delicious cup of hot cocoa you’ve ever tasted. Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy winter nights, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving a chocolatey treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
- ⅓ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (60g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. This prevents lumps from forming later.
- Add milk gradually: Pour in about ½ cup of milk to the cocoa mixture and whisk vigorously until you have a smooth paste with no lumps. This technique ensures your hot chocolate will be silky smooth.
- Add remaining milk: Gradually whisk in the remaining 3½ cups of milk, stirring constantly to incorporate everything evenly.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent scorching on the bottom. Heat until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Add chocolate chips: Once the milk is hot, remove the pan from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let them sit for 30 seconds to soften, then whisk until completely melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Serve immediately: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings. Serve while hot.
Notes
- For extra-rich hot chocolate, replace ½ cup of milk with heavy cream
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar
- For a thinner consistency, add more milk; for thicker hot chocolate, reduce milk by ½ cup
- The chocolate will thicken slightly as it sits; simply stir before serving
- For adults, add a splash of peppermint schnapps, Bailey’s Irish Cream, or Kahlua
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 24mg