A rich and creamy homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe that is ready in minutes. Learn how to make real hot cocoa using staple kitchen ingredients.
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Hey, hey, Valentina with Valentina’s Corner sharing our favorite classic Hot Cocoa.
Hot Chocolate Recipe:
Just like homemade Apple Cider, This hot chocolate recipe is a favorite during the cooler months. This is the easiest recipe and takes just minutes on the stove. Enjoy your warm mug of hot cocoa, the ULTIMATE cozy drink that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate:
There are just 5 ingredients needed for a classic hot chocolate mix.
- Cocoa powder – be sure it’s unsweetened
- Sugar – add granulated sugar to your desired sweetness
- Chocolate – melt in semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, chunks, or shavings for a rich chocolate flavor
- Milk – we use whole milk for a creamier consistency and it incorporates chocolate better than skim milk.
- Vanilla extract – use homemade vanilla for the best taste
For an extra rich and creamy hot cocoa: replace 1 cup of whole milk with a cup of half and half or heavy cream.
How to make Hot Chocolate:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, chocolate chunks, and vanilla.
- Place over medium heat until steaming, whisking constantly to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Cool to desired serving temperature and serve with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: Cocoa and chocolate can settle at the bottom of the pot. Avoid burning your homemade hot cocoa by cooking it over medium heat and stir continuously.
Common Questions:
Does hot chocolate have caffeine?
Since unsweetened cocoa powder naturally contains, caffeine, hot cocoa does have some caffeine which can give you a little energy boost. One serving contains about 12 mg caffeine. For reference, a cup of black coffee has 95 mg caffeine and black tea can have 25-50mg caffeine.
Can I make Mexican Hot Chocolate?
To make Mexican hot chocolate, you need additional spices: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Also, use bittersweet chocolate.
Can I use store-bought hot cocoa mix?
You can omit the cocoa and sugar if using a pre-made cocoa mix. I would suggest using 4 packets or 4 servings according to the package instructions.
Hot Chocolate Toppings:
The BEST part about homemade hot chocolate is the toppings and added flavors! We love to make a toppings bar, especially for the holidays and parties.
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint
- White chocolate
- Chocolate syrup
- Sprinkles
- Peppermint sticks
- Chocolate shavings
Nothing beats homemade hot chocolate on a cold day, except maybe hot cocoa and a warm slice of Banana Bread… Mmm.
How to reheat hot cocoa:
- Stovetop – Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warm, stirring frequently.
- Slow Cooker – When serving at a party, we love to keep hot cocoa warm in a slow cooker on the low heat setting.
What to serve with Hot Chocolate:
- Sugar Cookies – our go-to Christmas cut-out cookies
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – with a soft, fudgy center
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – soft, bakery-style
- Oatmeal Cookies – oatmeal coconut cookies
- Chocolate Chip Bar – loaded with chocolate chips
Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
4.99 from 237 votes
Author: Valentina Ablaev
A rich and creamy homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe that is ready in minutes. Learn how to make real hot cocoa using staple kitchen ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
Ingredients
Servings: 4 people
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, (or add to desired sweetness)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups whole milk*
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, (chips, chunks or shavings)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla and whisk together.
Place over medium heat and bring it to a light boil while stirring constantly. Be sure the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated.
Set aside to cool to your desired temperature and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
*For a richer and creamier hot chocolate, replace 1 cup of milk with 1 cup of heavy cream or half and half.
Nutrition Per Serving
338kcal Calories39g Carbs10g Protein17g Fat10g Saturated Fat26mg Cholesterol108mg Sodium528mg Potassium4g Fiber33g Sugar395IU Vitamin A296mg Calcium2mg Iron
- Full Nutrition Label
- Nutrition Disclosure
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
338
% Daily Value*
Fat
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
10
g
63
%
Cholesterol
26
mg
9
%
Sodium
5
%
Potassium
528
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
39
g
13
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
33
g
37
%
Protein
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
395
IU
8
%
Calcium
296
mg
30
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hot chocolate, hot cocoa
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 338
Valentina Ablaev
I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!
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