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.

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (1)

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!

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (2)

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!)

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (3)

How to Make Hot Cocoa

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

Pour in milk then whisk until well blended.

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (4)

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.

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (5)

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.

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (6)

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.

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (7)

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)

Hot Chocolate {Easy Recipe!} - Cooking Classy (8)

4.92 from 12 votes

Print Recipe

Hot Chocolate

  • Review Recipe
  • Save

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 to add to hot chocolate to make it better? ›

The 15 Best Things To Add To Hot Chocolate
  1. Add an extract. A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. ...
  2. Sprinkle in warm spices. ...
  3. Mix in Nutella. ...
  4. Swirl in caramel. ...
  5. Spike it. ...
  6. Infuse it with orange. ...
  7. Swap regular sugar for maple syrup. ...
  8. Add a shot (of coffee)
Dec 4, 2023

What do baristas use to make hot chocolate? ›

A Barista's Guide: Hot Chocolate
  1. Place 12g cocoa powder and 8g of brown sugar into your favourite mug.
  2. Pour 30g of hot water into the mixture.
  3. Whisk the mixture carefully until all clumps are dissolved.
  4. Swirl before pouring estimated 150g hot milk into the mixture. Comments (0)
Sep 3, 2021

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.

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

How to doctor up hot chocolate mix? ›

Ideas to Customize:
  1. 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1-2 drops pure peppermint extract.
  2. 1 shot whiskey, dark rum, or peppermint schnapps.
  3. Pinch kosher salt highly recommended for all flavor combinations.
  4. Pinch espresso powder will enhance the chocolate flavor.

What liquid is best for hot chocolate? ›

In my opinion, the best hot chocolate is simple to make, with just a few quality ingredients. Milk: You can use dairy or dairy-free milk, including cashew milk, almond milk, or oat milk. The creamier the better! And since this recipe has sugar in it, I'd choose unsweetened milks (if you're buying them from the store).

What do McDonald's use for their hot chocolate? ›

Ingredients: Sugar, Allergen Ingredient: Skimmed MILK, 10% Fat Reduced Cocoa, Vegetable Oil (Palm), Whey Powder (Allergen Ingredient: MILK), Salt, Stabiliser (Trisodium Citrate), Flavouring, Emulsifier (Allergen Ingredient: SOYA Lecithin).

What is coffee and hot chocolate together called? ›

What exactly is mocha? A mocha is a blend of a cappuccino and a hot chocolate. Like a cappuccino it contains espresso, warm milk and a frothy top but it also contains a sweet chocolatey twist using either chocolate powder, chocolate syrup or melted chocolate.

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.

Is it better to use water or milk for hot chocolate? ›

Additionally, there's an appeal to using water for its potential to create a truer hot chocolate experience. Milk, with its white base, can dilute the brown color of the hot chocolate. In contrast, water's clear base allows the cocoa to appear much darker.

What is the best cocoa powder for hot chocolate? ›

She also recommends Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker as another solid option for natural—the 100% Unsweetened Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder—and mentioned the King Arthur Baking Company. The latter has two Dutch-process cocoas she likes—the Bensdorp Cocoa Powder and the Burgundy Cocoa.

What to use instead of milk for hot chocolate? ›

You could also use oat milk or any dairy-free milk you'd like along with the coconut milk! 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 can I add to chocolate to make it taste better? ›

We love dark chocolate with matcha or salt, milk chocolate with caramel or coffee, and white chocolate with raspberries or nuts.

What are good toppings for hot chocolate? ›

toppings: marshmallows, toffee bits, coarse sea salt, mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermints, candy canes, soft peppermint sticks, whoppers, Lindt truffles, pirouette cookies, whipped cream, dark chocolate syrup, caramel sauce + whatever else you fancy.

How to spike your hot chocolate? ›

Try spiced rum on its own, white rum with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg or a flavored rum such as coconut or vanilla for even more of a tropical taste. Bailey's: This Irish cream liqueur combines whiskey, cream, cocoa, and vanilla extract, so it brings a lot to your mug!

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6029

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.