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When the weather outside is chilly, there’s nothing better than a really good hot chocolate recipe.
The one I’ve got lined up for you today is the best hot chocolate recipe that I’ve tasted. Perfect for getting cozy on a cold night!
Forget the store-bought hot cocoa mix – once you try this homemade version, you won’t want to go back. Don’t forget to save the recipe card!
It’s made with real milk chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder, creating a creamy and decadent drink that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you want to keep it simple or add your own twist with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or mini marshmallows, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy.
Plus, this recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, so you can whip it up in no time. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, snow days, or just any time you’re craving a cup of hot chocolate.
This great recipe yields four servings, so it’s great for sharing. And if you’re making it for a crowd, you can easily double or even triple the recipe.
A mug of hot cocoa goes a long way in the winter. Trust me, once you take a sip of this rich, creamy hot chocolate recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Some of our other favorite hot cocoa recipes we have on our site include: Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe (Easy DIY), Best White Hot Chocolate (Slow Cooker Recipe), and Hot Chocolate Dip.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Creamy and Rich: The combination of whole milk and heavy cream gives this hot chocolate a luxurious, creamy texture that feels like a treat in every sip.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients, many of which are probably already in your kitchen.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, richness, or add fun toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or even a cinnamon stick.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Milk chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
- Mini candy canes (optional)
HOW TO MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE:
- Place the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar in a medium-sized saucepot.
- Whisk together and bring to scalding, 181°F, stirring occasionally about 5-8 minutes. Do not boil.
- Take off the heat and add the chocolate chips and vanilla, let sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth and the chocolate is melted.
- Pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a mini candy cane, if using.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE IS THE BEST TO USE?
Milk chocolate is recommended for a creamy and sweet flavor, but you can also use dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate if you prefer a deeper, richer taste.
Just keep in mind that if you use dark or bittersweet chocolate, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Yes! You can make this hot chocolate ahead of time and store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Just reheat it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
You can also freeze leftover hot chocolate and thaw it when you’re ready to enjoy.
ANY ADDITIONS?
All your favorite toppings and flavorings apply here. You can even add a pinch of salt!
The best homemade hot chocolate recipe is right at your fingertips.
- Cinnamon stick: Stir your hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Peppermint extract: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Espresso powder: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha version.
- Caramel syrup: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top for a caramel hot chocolate.
- Whipped cream: Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
- Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate over the whipped cream.
- Mini marshmallows: Classic mini marshmallows make a fun and tasty topping.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg adds warmth and depth.
- Peanut butter: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Chili powder: Add a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Really you can swap any of the main ingredients.
I think maple syrup gives an even richer flavor than sugar.
- Almond milk or oat milk: For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk.
- Coconut milk: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Brown sugar: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Substitute milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet hot chocolate.
- Maple syrup: Use maple syrup in place of sugar for a natural sweetener.
- White chocolate chips: Swap the milk chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamy, sweet flavor.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to drink it, reheat it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezer: You can freeze leftover hot chocolate for up to 3 months.
Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Don’t Boil the Hot Chocolate: Heat the milk and cream mixture over medium heat, but be sure not to let it boil. This will keep your hot chocolate smooth and creamy.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best results, use good-quality milk or dark chocolate. It really makes a difference in the flavor.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Make sure to whisk the hot chocolate well after adding the chocolate chips to ensure it’s fully melted and smooth.
- Make a Big Batch: If you’re serving a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure it heats evenly.
- Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer your hot chocolate less sweet, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon. If you’re using dark chocolate, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- Top It Off: Don’t forget the toppings! Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or even a candy cane make this hot chocolate extra special.
This Hot Chocolate recipe is a perfect treat for any cold day.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or a fun treat for the kids, this easy recipe is always a hit.
It’s rich, creamy, and full of chocolatey goodness, with the perfect balance of sweetness! YUM!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for serving optional
- Chocolate shavings for serving optional
- Mini candy canes for serving optional
Instructions
- Place the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar in a medium-sized saucepot.2 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Whisk together and bring to scalding, 181°F, stirring occasionally about 5-8 minutes. Do not boil.
- Take off the heat and add the chocolate chips and vanilla, let sit for 5 minutes.1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whisk until smooth and the chocolate is melted.
- Pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a mini candy cane, if using.Whipped cream for serving, Chocolate shavings for serving, Mini candy canes for serving
Notes
- Don’t Boil the Hot Chocolate: Heat the milk and cream mixture over medium heat, but be sure not to let it boil. This will keep your hot chocolate smooth and creamy.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best results, use good-quality milk or dark chocolate. It really makes a difference in the flavor.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Make sure to whisk the hot chocolate well after adding the chocolate chips to ensure it’s fully melted and smooth.
- Make a Big Batch: If you’re serving a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure it heats evenly.
- Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer your hot chocolate less sweet, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon. If you’re using dark chocolate, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- Top It Off: Don’t forget the toppings! Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or even a candy cane make this hot chocolate extra special.
Nutrition
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