This Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe is perfect for those cold days when you need a cozy treat to warm you up. It combines cream and bittersweet chocolate with a hint of unsweetened cocoa powder for depth.
Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel sweetness, while espresso powder and vanilla extract create complex flavors that are simply divine.
Enjoy it as is, or pair it with Irish Bread, Cornmeal Muffins, or any preferred snack. For a special treat, top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Whisk milk, cream, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and optional instant coffee in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Heat until just below boiling, then remove from heat.
- Add chocolate and vanilla and whisk until fully melted.
- Ladle hot chocolate into mugs.
👀 Check out our homemade hot chocolate mix recipe!
Camila's Tips
- Use good-quality chocolate bars or chips for the best flavor. Try dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate, but note that sweetness will vary by type.
- Any cocoa powder works-natural or Dutch-processed.
- Boost flavor with a cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
- For richer hot chocolate, use 4 cups whole milk + 1 cup heavy cream. For a boozy version, top each mug with 2 tablespoon of whiskey or bourbon.
Pair with
You may also like
Recipe
Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- 5 Quart Saucepan
Ingredients
- 230 g (8 ounces) good-quality bittersweet chocolate such as Ghirardelli Brand, chopped I used Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips chips, but you can also use a chopped chocolate bar if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder , optional
- 50 g (¼ cup) light brown sugar or 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso or instant coffee powder , optional
- 1 liter whole milk
- 240 ml half and half , heavy cream or whole milk
- small pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, light brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and instant coffee (if using) over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to just below boil. Remove from the heat.
- Add the chocolate and vanilla to the saucepan and whisk until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Optionally, garnish with marshmallow, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
