Hot Chocolate is a cozy and satisfying drink made with fresh dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk. The combination of dark chocolate and cocoa powder creates a rich chocolate flavor that's perfect for chilly days or when you're craving something sweet.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This homemade Hot Chocolate is a great way to enjoy the simple pleasures of chocolate. By making it at home, you decide how sweet it is and what ingredients you use.
For my recipe, I like to add maple syrup to sweeten it, but feel free to use any sweetener you like. If you’re vegan, just swap the milk for your preferred non-dairy alternative. Enjoy making this delicious treat in your own kitchen, customized just the way you like it.
Explore Healthy Winter Beverages:
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make this delicious Hot Chocolate, you only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich and comforting drink:
- Dark Chocolate: The key ingredient in our recipe, dark chocolate provides a deep and luxurious flavor. Feel free to choose from mild milk chocolate to intensely dark varieties, depending on your taste preferences.
- Cocoa Powder: I prefer using unsweetened cocoa powder for that authentic chocolate kick. However, if you like things a bit simpler, you can use a store-bought instant hot cocoa mix—just skip adding extra sweeteners since these mixes usually already contain sugar.
- Milk: I typically use whole milk for its creamy, rich texture. If you’re in the mood for something even richer, consider using half-and-half or heavy cream. For a vegan-friendly version, almond, oat, coconut, or cashew milk are all great alternatives.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup brings a lovely natural sweetness to this hot chocolate. If it's not your favorite, feel free to swap it out with any sweetener you like.
How to Make Hot Chocolate at Home?
Let's make this ultimate chocolatey treat together with my simple and delicious Hot Chocolate recipe. Follow along with my photos and video to make the process even easier and more fun. Let's get started!
Explore More Chocolate Drinks:
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
- White Hot Chocolate
- Hot Cocoa
- Hot Cocoa Mix
- Frozen Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Milkshake
- Mocha Coffee
Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cup Milk
- ¼ cup Dark Chocolate, shredded or chopped
- 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder, unsweetened
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- Whipping Cream, for topping, optional
- Marshmallows, for topping, optional
Instructions
Making Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Begin by gently heating milk in a saucepan over medium heat. As it warms, sprinkle in the cocoa powder.
- Whisk continuously until the cocoa powder fully integrates with the milk, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Now, add the maple syrup, stirring it in to combine the flavors smoothly.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and continue to whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Occasionally stir the mixture with a spatula to help it thicken properly without sticking to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat when it reaches the desired consistency and allow it to cool slightly to the perfect sipping temperature.
- Finally, pour your homemade Hot Chocolate into a serving mug and top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a handful of marshmallows.
Serving
- Enjoy this delicious Homemade Hot Chocolate on chilly winter days or anytime you're in the mood for a chocolatey treat.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of chocolate and cocoa powder greatly influences the taste of your hot chocolate. Opt for the best quality you can find to ensure a richer and more indulgent flavor.
- Cook Slowly: Heat your hot chocolate gently over low to medium heat to avoid burning the chocolate. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to blend well and enhances the smooth texture.
- Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, don't hesitate to try other spices. Nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a new dimension to your hot chocolate.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Customize the sweetness to suit your taste. You might prefer a less sweet hot chocolate, or maybe you like it on the sweeter side. Experiment with the amount of sweetener to find your perfect balance.
- Richer Dairy-Free Options: For those avoiding dairy, choose a creamier non-dairy milk like cashew, almond or oat milk to mimic the richness of whole milk. This can make your vegan hot chocolate just as good as the traditional version.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
- Serving: Enhance and enjoy your Homemade Hot Chocolate by topping it with marshmallows, a generous dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. For an extra visual treat, dust it with cocoa powder or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Storage: I recommend enjoying the Hot Chocolate fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, just store them in the fridge in a sealed container. Make sure to use them within a day. When you're ready for another warm cup, gently reheat it on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and dreamy.
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