Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa) (2024)

By Laura

Posted Nov 01, 2020, Updated Mar 16, 2024

5 from 48 votes

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The best homemade hot chocolate recipe. This hot cocoa is smooth, creamy and made with two forms of chocolate for a rich, deep chocolate flavor. It’s easy to make in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa) (2)

Say hello to the most delicious hot chocolate recipe – seriously it’s the absolute best. This hot cocoa is rich, creamy and so intensely chocolatey it will make you say, “goodbye” to powdered mixes once and for all.

This recipe is easy to make in 5 minutes with only 5 ingredients (including two forms of chocolate) on the stovetop, so you can quickly whip up a batch to warm up after a day outside skiing or sledding, to enjoy with a side of cookies of course!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa) (3)

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

This hot cocoa recipe is best when made as written. If you’re looking for an allergy-friendly hot chocolate recipe, try this Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate – which can be Paleo and vegan!

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  • Whole milk.Any milk, dairy or non-dairy, should work very well in this recipe. Just remember, the higher the percentage of fat in your milk, the creamier the final product will be. Use whole or 2% milk for the best results. Or you can make it with half whole milk and half heavy cream or half and half. For a dairy-free version I recommend full-fat coconut milk.
  • Cocoa Powder.Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. For a dark chocolate cocoa, use dark cocoa powder.
  • Granulated sugar.white sugar, organic cane sugar and coconut sugar are all good choices.
  • Chocolate.I recommend using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, just be aware that the end result will be sweeter. For a dairy-free/vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate! You can also use bakers chocolate (100% cocoa) and just increase the amount of sugar to suit your tastes.
  • Vanilla Extract. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
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How to Make Hot Chocolate

So many people wonder, “How do you make hot chocolate from scratch?” Well, this hot cocoa recipe is so easy you’ll forget about store-bought mixes once and for all.

It only takes 5 minutes to make, but as always we’ll walk through the process together, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by measuring the milk, sugar and cocoa powder into a medium saucepan.

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Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture just begins to bubble but does not boil.

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When the mixture just begins to bubble, turn off the heat and add the chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

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Serve

This homemade hot cocoa recipe makes either 2-4 servings depending on the size of servings you’d prefer. Since this hot chocolate recipe is so rich, I usually pour it into 4 mugs and it’s plenty for us.

Add Toppings

This homemade hot cocoa recipe is perfect on its own. But if you’re looking to jazz it up with some fun toppings, here are some suggestions:

  • Homemade Whipped Cream (obviously)
  • Marshmallows (any variety, homemade marshmallows are delicious).
  • Shaved chocolate
  • Dusting of cocoa powder
  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Chopped peppermint bark
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Store

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container (glass jar) for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs

What are good toppings for hot chocolate?

Homemade Whipped Cream (obviously)
Marshmallows (any variety, homemade marshmallows are delicious).
Shaved chocolate
Dusting of cocoa powder
Holiday sprinkles
Crushed candy canes
Chopped peppermint bark

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut milk. Try this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe.

Is hot chocolate better with milk or water?

Milk! I always make hot chocolate with milk.

What other hot chocolate recipes can I make?

I have so many hot cocoa recipes on my site! Try these:
Making hot chocolate for a crowd? Try this crockpot hot chocolate!
This peanut butter hot chocolate recipe is like drinking a warm peanut butter cup – YUM!
As I mentioned before, this dairy-free hot cocoa is paleo and vegan! I also have a recipe for Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix, which you can keep on hand in the pantry and just add water to serve.
For a fun twist, make this Peppermint Hot Chocolate in your blender!
This mocha latte is another fun, warm drink that’s healthy but sweet.

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa) (13)

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa)

Laura

The best homemade hot chocolate recipe. This hot cocoa is smooth, creamy and made with two forms of chocolate for a rich, deep chocolate flavor. It’s easy to make in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients.

Course beverage, Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 397

Prep Time2 minutes minutes

Cook Time5 minutes minutes

Total Time7 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add milk, sugar and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan.

  • Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture just begins to bubble but does not boil.

  • Add chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

  • Pour into 4 small mugs and serve with homemade whipped cream.

Video

Notes

*6 oz chocolate is 1 cup.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Whole milk.Any milk, dairy or non-dairy, should work very well in this recipe. Just remember, the higher the percentage of fat in your milk, the creamier the final product will be. Use whole or 2% milk for the best results. Or you can make it with half whole milk and half heavy cream or half and half. For a dairy-free version I recommend full-fat coconut milk.
  • Cocoa Powder.Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. For a dark hot chocolate use dark cocoa powder.
  • Granulated sugar.white sugar, organic cane sugar and coconut sugar are all good choices.
  • Chocolate.I recommend using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, just be aware that the end result will be sweeter. For a dairy-free/vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate! You can also use bakers chocolate (100% cocoa) and just increase the amount of sugar to suit your tastes.
  • Vanilla Extract. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. You can also add other extracts like peppermint, etc.

Store

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container (glass jar) for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 268IU | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Try these recipes

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate

Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cocoa powder to make 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!)

How do I make a hot cup of cocoa? ›

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Add water; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in milk; heat to serving temperature (do not boil).

What makes a cup of hot chocolate a solution? ›

(A solute is anything the solvent dissolves.) In hot chocolate, the hot water or milk acts as the solvent to dissolve the cocoa powder, the solute.

What is real hot chocolate made of? ›

Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved or melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener. It is often garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows.

How do you make hot cocoa mix better? ›

A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. Coconut and almond extracts lend hot chocolate an Almond Joy-like taste, while vanilla adds dimension to the chocolate flavor. Peppermint extract instantly gives the drink a holiday flair.

What kind of milk is best for hot chocolate? ›

The best type of milk for making hot chocolate is whole milk. This is because the higher fat content in whole milk creates a creamier and richer hot chocolate. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, almond milk or oat milk can also work well as they add a subtle nutty or oaty flavor to the hot chocolate.

What's the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa mix? ›

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.

How to make chocolate from scratch? ›

Instructions
  1. Roast cocoa beans to 130c for about 25-35 minutes.
  2. Cool your beans for 6 hours.
  3. Crack and winnow.
  4. Place 700 grams of cocoa nibs in grinder and grind 24 hours. ( pre heat grinder or add some hot air)
  5. Add 300 grams of sugar after 24 hours.
  6. Grind for another 24 hours.
  7. Remove from machine, through a sieve.
Sep 1, 2020

How to make cocoa powder at home easily? ›

All you need is organic cocoa nibs, a food press and a blender or food processor. Pour organic cocoa nibs into the press to separate the wet (oil) from the dry (powder). The separated oil will be processed into cocoa butter. The dry pressed nibs are poured into a blender to make a fine coco powder.

Is hot cocoa better with water or milk? ›

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.

Do you use milk or water for hot cocoa powder? ›

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use milk or water when making hot chocolate comes down to personal taste. While some people may prefer the creaminess that milk adds to their cup of cocoa, others might enjoy the lighter flavor provided by using water instead.

Why do marshmallows keep hot chocolate warmer for longer? ›

Loss says kitchen air produces an “evaporative cooling” effect as water is freed from the drink's surface and into the atmosphere. Since they're filled with air, the marshmallows could insulate the hot chocolate by slowing down this cooling.

Why does my hot chocolate split? ›

Most probably temperature. Either too hot/too quickly, or if the chocolate contains both cocoa butter and a vegetable fat (which the article says), the likelihood is that they will have different melting points (which the article doesn't make clear) and may be the problem.

Why does my hot chocolate have a film? ›

Milk skin or lactoderm refers to a sticky film of protein that forms on top of dairy milk and foods containing dairy milk (such as hot chocolate and some soups).

Is hot chocolate originally made with water or milk? ›

It Started in Mexico. As early as 500 BC, the Mayans were drinking chocolate made from ground-up cocoa seeds mixed with water, cornmeal, and chili peppers (as well as other ingredients)—a much different version from the hot chocolate we know today.

What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? ›

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.

Is hot chocolate just milk and chocolate? ›

It's made by combining cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the mixture has been heated to just below boiling point, it can be served as-is or topped with marshmallows or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

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