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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There’s nothing quite like a steamy and cozy cup of homemade Hot Chocolate. All you need is some homemade whipped cream on top and you have the coziest warm winter drink
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:
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.
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.
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
Ingredients
- 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
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Hi! I’m Natasha Kravchuk, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, food photographer, and writer. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home. 
I followed the recipe with the exception that I used coconut sugar, and it was delicious!
Thanks for sharing, Lesa. Great to hear that you loved it!
Would this work to make and then put in a hot beverage dispenser? Hosting a baby shower and need a hot chocolate that’ll keep for a few hours in the beverage dispenser? Thanks!
Hi Morgan, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
It was good but definitely overly rich for my taste and I’m usually a fan of rich sweets. Just a fair warning
Hello. We are making this hot chocolate for an event and was wondering if it would last just under a week in the fridge??
Thank you v much,
Sage Lawry.
Hi Sage. I am not sure what the safety recommendations are for that. I’ve researched online and found 3 days max as a recommendation but it can also depend on how fresh your milk and other ingredients are.
Adding a good pinch of salt improves the taste of chocolate greatly. I have also sometimes added a pinch of good instant coffee for a mocha taste! Thanks for your recipe!
Thanks for the tip!
hi! I love hot cocoa but is there a way to make it with stevia? I never made good stevia cocoa
Hi Raegan, I have not tried this with stevia or another sugar replacement. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
Delicious 😋😋😋😊thanks got sharing this amazing recipe!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Sofia!
I followed your recipe. Everyone just loved it. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Dr Raj Ghosh!
Can the hot chocolate be made ahead of time and heated up the next day?
Hi Danelle, we prefer it fresh! But you can definitely prepare all the toppings and sides!
I made this tonight for my kiddos because we’re out of Swiss Miss and they absolutely needed hot chocolate after playing in snow 😉 The loved it! My pickiest kid was surprised that it was homemade.
It sounds wonderful, Tiffany. Homemade is indeed always better!
Hello Natasha,
Can this be made with almond milk instead of whole milk? Or other alternative. I really want to make this, but can’t have dairy.
Thanks
Hi Christina, I haven’t tried using almond milk yet but I imagine that will be just fine. If you do try it, please share with us how it goes.
Hi Natasha,
I made the hot chocolate tonight with the almond milk and it came out great! Definitely will make again.
Yum! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Christina! I’m happy you enjoyed it!
I use flaxseed milk and will try. Dairy causes issues. I will get back to you!
I’ve made it work almond milk before. It works out just fine but is not as creamy. To get the creaminess, you can add in some coconut oil without a noticeable change in flavor
As I made this for the first time, I realized that this recipe misses an important step. In other recipes they add a bit of water to the cocoa and sugar while heating to dissolve the sugar and blend the powder, similar to making a roux. This recipe caused me to have a million tiny cocoa powder balls floating on top.
Hi Stuart, I haven’t had that issue, but we do whisk them together before turning on the heat in step 1. Make sure to warm up the mixture sufficiently which can help to disperse the cocoa.
I make this a bunch since it’s cold right now and my son LOVES hot cocoa. I have not had that issue at all.
Hi, can this be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then heated up in the microwave as needed?
Hi Becky, we prefer it fresh! But you can definitely prepare all the toppings and sides!
Holy cow! This was great hot chocolate! I am picky. I have been making my own with milk and a chocolate bar. I live in Germany, so the chocolate here is really good. This has the complexity of hot cocoa with the richness of hot chocolate. I didn’t even feel the need to make it extra thick like Spanish hot chocolate. My husband liked it (less sweet, being German) and I loved it, making it a bit sweeter for my American tastes. This is my new go to hot chocolate recipe. The best part is I get to use my amazing German dark chocolate in it.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Susan! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Natasha, I’m Nina from Malaysia. Made this today and it was seriously good! <3
Hi Nina, I hope you’re well. I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Thank you so much! I LOVE these recipes so much, I cook these every day. I love you guys.
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles
The best hot chocolate ever!! So creamy!!! It’s definitely a keeper 😋
Thank you for the awesome feedback, Cristina.
Raves from all! Will make some adding bit of bourbon to it for adults by the fire!
I’m so glad this was a hit, MJ!
Hi Natasha! Love this recipe!! Can this be put in a crockpot for a large gathering?
Hi Lanette, I think that would work great to put this in a slow cooker/ crockpot for a larger gathering. That’s a great idea to keep it warm for a while also.
Delicious! I make this with vanilla soy milk. The kids just love it – and so do the adults. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Inga! I’m glad this was a hit with the family!