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–+ servings
Hot Cocoa served in a cup topped with marshmallows.

Hot Cocoa

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Hot Cocoa, a delightful blend of cocoa and vanilla, offers a rich and smooth chocolate experience that's simply irresistible. This Homemade Hot Cocoa is the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during chilly winter days, making it an ideal treat for savoring each sip.
Course Chocolate Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 cup
Calories 216
Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Water
  • 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder
  • 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 cups Full Fat Milk
  • Marshmallows to garnish, optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Making Hot Cocoa

  • Begin by placing a saucepan on the stove over low to medium heat. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, and water into the pan.
    Adding cocoa powder to the saucepan.
  • Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the sugar, cocoa, and water until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
    Mixing the cocoa powder, sugar and water.
  • Slowly add the milk to the pan, continuing to stir constantly. This will help integrate all the ingredients smoothly and prevent any sticking or scorching at the bottom of the pan.
    Adding milk to cocoa mix.
  • Allow the cocoa to gently warm for about 2 to 3 minutes. It’s important to watch it closely and remove the pan from the heat just before the mixture begins to boil to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.
    Hot Cocoa warming up in the saucepan.
  • Finally, pour the hot cocoa into a favorite serving cup. For a delightful finish, top it with fluffy marshmallows or a generous swirl of whipped cream. Now it’s ready to be savored and enjoyed!
    Adding marshmallow to Hot Cocoa.

Serving

  • Enjoy this Homemade Hot Cocoa on its own, or add your favorite toppings to create a cozy, warm treat that's perfect for chilly winter days.
    Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow served in a mug.

Notes

Here are some helpful notes and tips for your Hot Cocoa:
  • Sweetness: I usually use brown sugar to sweeten my cocoa, but feel free to use any sweetener you prefer, or skip it altogether to enjoy the robust cocoa flavor or to fit a sugar-free diet.
  • Temperature Control: Heat the cocoa on low to medium heat to keep the milk from boiling. This helps prevent the cocoa powder from burning at the bottom of your pan.
  • Homemade Cocoa Mix: Check out my recipe if you're interested in preparing your own fresh cocoa mix. It will help you easily create the perfect mix for delicious hot cocoa anytime.
  • Health Note: Cocoa powder has many health benefits, but keep in mind that adding sugar and other ingredients to Hot Cocoa usually means it's more of a treat than a health drink.
  • Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate: Wondering about the differences? Hot Cocoa is a smooth, creamy beverage made with unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, celebrated for its sweet flavor. Hot Chocolate, in contrast, is thicker and richer, crafted with dark chocolate, cocoa powder, milk, and sugar, and features the deep, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 124mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g

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