Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (2024)

This is my favorite homemadeHot Chocolaterecipe! It’s incredibly simple and easily beats any hot chocolate you’ll get in a package. You’ll love that uses ingredients you likely already have on hand so you can make it any time a chilly day rolls around.

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Hot Chocolate

Isn’t a good hot chocolate a must in the recipe book? It’s just one of those quintessential fall recipes that makes these chilly days much more enjoyable.

There’s just nothing quite as comforting as sipping hot cocoa on a cold autumn or winter day, and it’s even better when enjoyed next to a flickering warm fire of course.

Growing up it was always a highlight for me when we’d visit pumpkin patches or after a few hours of playing in the snow. And nothing has changed there.

These days though I’m pretty picky about my hot chocolate. I like it chocolatey, creamy, rich, perfectly sweetened, and it needs some sort of topping – preferably a frothy whipped cream but marshmallows come in a close second.

This is my idea of the perfect homemade hot chocolate. You get all of the aforementioned in a mug full of chocolate bliss!

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Ingredients for Hot Chocolate

  • Dutch process cocoa powder (or regular works too, see notes in recipe)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Whole Milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract (which can be omitted, it’s pricey these days!)

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How to Make Hot Cocoa

In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cocoa powder and cornstarch.

Pour in milk then whisk until well blended.

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Cook Over the Stovetop

Bring to a light boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer about 10 – 15 seconds stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in cream and vanilla. Let cool a bit before serving.

Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows on top if desired.

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The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

I’ve tried several versions of hot chocolate. I’ve made it using regular cocoa powder, chocolate, chocolate chips and dutch cocoa powder. Dutch cocoa takes the cake in my opinion but the others come in a close second.

Then I’ve used different milks (different percentages of fat, dairy and non-dairy). I prefer whole milk with the addition of heavy cream for extra richness.

Do I Have to Use Whole Milk?

If you normally buy a different milk than whole no worries. Skim, 1% or 2% will work too. If doing so I’d use 3 1/4 cups milk then 3/4 cup heavy cream.

Can I Omit the Cream?

If you are looking to make it a bit lighter or if you simply don’t have any cream on hand then yes you can omit the cream it just won’t be quite as rich and creamy. If doing so add in another 1/2 cup milk in it’s place.

How to Make a Peppermint Hot Chocolate

To give this a tasty holiday flare you can stir in 1/2 – 1 tsp peppermint extract to taste, or a few drops food grade peppermint oil to taste.

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Can I Use Regular Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?

The dutch cocoa powder adds depth here that regular cocoa powder doesn’t but if the regular unsweetened cocoa powder is what you have on hand it will still yield a delicious hot cocoa. Use 8 Tbsp instead of 6 Tbsp for a similar richness.

Can I Make it Dairy Free?

If you have a milk allergy you can make this with another type of dairy free milk (almond milk or cashew milk are good choices). I might suggest using a nut cream or coconut cream in place of the heavy cream as well.

Can I Reheat this Hot Chocolate?

Yes this can be stored in the fridge for several days then heated over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

I Don’t Have Any Cocoa Powder on Hand What About a Chocolate Version?

If you don’t have the cocoa powder on hand but happen to have bars of semi-sweet chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips then this is the recipe and method I use:

  • Heat 4 cups whole milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until nearly simmering.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 6 oz semi-sweet chopped chocolate or chocolate chips and 2 Tbsp sugar.
  • Whisk until melted then stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.

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More Chocolate Recipes You Might Like

  • Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • Chocolate Cupcakes

16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

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Hot Chocolate

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My favorite homemade hot chocolate! It has the perfect amount of chocolate flavor, a delicious rich creaminess, and just the right sweetness. This is easy to make and perfectly satisfying on a cold day.

Servings: 4 people

Prep5 minutes minutes

Cook10 minutes minutes

Ready in: 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cocoa powder and cornstarch.

  • Pour in milk then whisk until well blended.

  • Bring to a light boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer about 10 - 15 seconds stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

  • Stir in cream and vanilla. Let cool a bit before serving.

  • Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows on top if desired.

  • Recipe source: Cooking Classy

Notes

1.*If regular unsweetened cocoa powder is what you have on hand then use 8 Tbsp of that instead of the 6 Tbsp listed.

2.Want to make it even richer? After removed from heat whisk in 2 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips (1/4 cup), then stir in cream.

3.To make a peppermint hot chocolate simply stir in 1/2 tsp - 1 tsp peppermint extract to taste or a few drops food grade peppermint oil to taste in place of the vanilla.

Nutrition Facts

Hot Chocolate

Amount Per Serving

Calories 388Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 11g69%

Cholesterol 61mg20%

Sodium 102mg4%

Potassium 440mg13%

Carbohydrates 51g17%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 45g50%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 770IU15%

Calcium 265mg27%

Iron 1.4mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Hot Chocolate

Author: Jaclyn

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

The secret ingredient commonly used in gourmet hot chocolate is often high-quality, finely ground chocolate. This can be in the form of cocoa powder or finely chopped chocolate, adding a rich and intense flavor to the drink.

What makes hot chocolate taste better? ›

The 15 Best Things To Add To Hot Chocolate
  1. Sprinkle in warm spices. Take inspiration from the flavors of Mexican hot chocolate, and add warm spices like cinnamon, cayenne, and chile powder to your hot chocolate for a delightfully spicy drink. ...
  2. Mix in Nutella. ...
  3. Spike it. ...
  4. Swap regular sugar for maple syrup. ...
  5. Add a rim.
Dec 4, 2023

How to make better instant hot chocolate? ›

Other Ways to Upgrade Your Hot Chocolate:
  1. caramel.
  2. a scoop of ice cream.
  3. cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla extract.
  4. orange zest.
  5. a tablespoon of fresh-brewed espresso or coffee.
  6. peppermint stick.
  7. dark, milk, or white chocolate shavings.
  8. coconut or almond milk (use in place of regular milk)
Dec 1, 2015

How to make options hot chocolate? ›

Instructions. For a perfect mug of Options, boil water and let it cool slightly. Put 3 teaspoons (11g) of Options into your favourite mug, fill with hot water and stir well. For a creamier drink try adding a dash of milk.

How to make gourmet village hot chocolate? ›

Place 2 tbsp (30 ml) hot chocolate mix in a mug. Add 170-230 ml (6-8 oz) boiling water or very hot milk. Stir well & enjoy!

Why add cornstarch to hot cocoa mix? ›

The cornstarch version thickened quickly, making the hot chocolate very thick and creamy, and in the end we decided on a combination of cornstarch and confectioner's sugar, for the ideal texture and sweetness.

Why does Mexican hot chocolate taste better? ›

The spices used in Mexican hot chocolate make it so unique and different from the hot chocolate you are probably used to. But don't worry - it's not super spicy. Rather, the spices amplify and complement the chocolate. They add extra warmth to this drink - perfect on a cold winter day!

Does adding milk to hot chocolate make it better? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

What is the best cocoa powder for hot chocolate? ›

Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I've tried quite a few!)

What thickens hot chocolate? ›

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens. Double Cream: Stirring in a splash of double cream can instantly enrich and thicken your drink, giving it a velvety texture.

What adds extra heat to hot chocolate? ›

Add a small amount of jalapeno (habanero or cayenne if you're brave) to your next cup of hot cocoa for a little heat and bite. Just make sure to go easy on the pepper: the heat of the hot cocoa will warm the spice, making it a little hotter than you might expect.

Is it better to make hot chocolate with milk or water? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

How do they make McDonald's hot chocolate? ›

McDonald's Hot Chocolate recipe features steamed whole milk with rich hot chocolate syrup and is finished with whipped light cream and chocolate drizzle. Available in small, medium and large sizes. There are 370 calories in a small Hot Chocolate from McDonald's.

What's the difference between instant hot chocolate and hot chocolate? ›

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

What makes gourmet chocolate better? ›

Gourmet chocolate refers to high-quality chocolates produced with exceptional care, using superior-grade ingredients (like Cluizel, which has the “Noble Ingredients” certification, guaranteeing the use of only pure cocoa butter, Bourbon vanilla pod, no soy lecithin or added flavors).

What is indulgent hot chocolate? ›

Indulgence Collection Original Hot Chocolate 2kg

A traditional smooth, velvety hot chocolate, with 25% cocoa and suitable for vegans. Instructions: To make a 12oz drink, use 25g of hot chocolate powder and either: Mix with a splash of hot water to form a smooth paste.

What does Starbucks put in their hot chocolate? ›

Starbucks makes its hot chocolate with mocha syrup that's used for a variety of other drinks in the store. A barista combines mocha syrup with a couple squirts of vanilla syrup and heated milk, and he then finishes off the drink with a sweet pile of whipped cream.

What is Colombian hot chocolate made of? ›

What is Colombian hot chocolate? Colombian hot chocolate is made using a dark unsweetened chocolate bar like Luker or Corona. It's typically made in water instead of milk with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves.

References

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