The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There’s something magical about sipping a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate, especially when it’s made with care and love. This recipe is simple, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights in.
- It’s rich and creamy, with just the right balance of chocolatey sweetness.
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings, like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- It’s made with real ingredients, so you know exactly what’s going into your cup—no artificial flavors here!
Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate. This recipe is simple, rich, and perfect for cozy nights or chilly mornings. Made with real chocolate and a touch of vanilla, it’s a treat that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
- Add the finely chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 2
Nutrition
This homemade hot chocolate recipe is a delightful treat packed with wholesome ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
What To Serve With It
I love topping my homemade hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream—it adds a creamy richness that’s hard to resist. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top not only looks pretty but gives each sip a warm, cozy flavor. You can’t go wrong with these simple additions to make your drink extra special!
Whipped Cream Topping
If you’re like me, you know that hot chocolate just isn’t complete without a fluffy swirl of whipped cream on top—it’s like the cherry on a sundae, but creamier and way more indulgent. I love how the creamy texture melts into the drink, adding richness, while the fluffy consistency makes each sip feel like a treat. Homemade whipped cream is my go-to because it’s easy to whip up (pun intended) with just heavy cream, sugar, and a dash of vanilla. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff. It’s that good.
Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkles
After topping your hot chocolate with that perfect cloud of whipped cream, it’s time to take it up a notch with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. This simple addition transforms your drink into one of the coziest seasonal treats. The warm, sweet spice pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate, creating a flavor combo that feels like a hug in a mug. I love using it during the holidays because it turns an everyday drink into one of those festive desserts everyone craves. Plus, it’s so easy to make—just mix cinnamon and sugar, and you’re ready to sprinkle!
