Warm up with this homemade hot cocoa recipe, perfect for chilly days. This easy hot cocoa is made with basic ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy it with treats like Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vanilla Scones, Mini Irish Soda Bread, or Galleta (Paraguayan bread rolls).
Check out our collection of hot drink recipes, including Cherry Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate, Mexican Hot Cocoa, and Hot Chocolate variations for a range of unique flavors to suit any taste and occasion.
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What’s the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?
The terms "hot cocoa" and "hot chocolate" are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different beverages depending on the region and context. Here's a general breakdown of the two:
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Hot Cocoa: Typically made using cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, hot cocoa has a lighter and more diluted consistency, resulting in a thinner and less rich drink. It is often sweetened and may include flavorings like vanilla or spices. Hot cocoa mixes are widely available and can be prepared by dissolving the mix in hot water or milk.
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Hot Chocolate: Usually made by melting solid chocolate into milk or a combination of milk and cream, hot chocolate creates a thicker and creamier beverage with a more pronounced chocolate flavor. It tends to be richer compared to hot cocoa. It can be customized with various flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or liqueur for added depth and complexity.
The distinction between "hot cocoa" and "hot chocolate" can vary based on regional or individual preferences. In some places, the terms are used interchangeably, while in others, "hot cocoa" refers to a drink made with cocoa powder, while "hot chocolate" refers to a drink made with melted chocolate.
Additionally, different countries have their own variations of hot chocolate, each with unique characteristics:
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Made with "chocolate de mesa" or table chocolate, which includes sugar, cinnamon, and cacao.
- European-style Hot Chocolate: Utilizes unsweetened cocoa powder, dark chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate.
- Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda): Similar to traditional hot chocolate but thickened with the addition of cornstarch.
- Parisian Chocolat Chaud: A French-style hot chocolate made with dark or bittersweet chocolate and whole milk, resulting in a thick and decadent drink with less sweetness.
- Colombian Hot Chocolate: Incorporates flavors like ground cinnamon, cloves, honey, and cheese cubes, creating a creamier texture with a hint of salt.
In conclusion, the distinction between hot cocoa and hot chocolate can vary, and individual preferences may also play a role. Both beverages offer delightful warmth and comfort during colder seasons, providing a perfect opportunity to indulge and enjoy the soothing pleasure of a chocolate-infused drink.
How to Make Hot Cocoa
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, put the cocoa powder, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Create Syrup: Gradually add the evaporated milk while stirring continuously to form a smooth syrup.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Make sure to stir constantly while doing this.
- Add Regular Milk: Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and whisk in the regular milk.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. Make sure it doesn't come to a boil again; just a gentle simmer.
- Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla Extract: Take the saucepan off the heat source and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Carefully pour the hot cocoa into your serving mugs.
- Garnish: If you like, add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to each mug for extra flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve your delicious hot cocoa immediately.
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Recipe
Easy Hot cocoa
Tools
- Serving Mugs
Ingredients
- 85 g unsweetened cocoa
- 199 g sugar , adjust to taste
- 600 ml evaporated milk or milk
- 1.20 l whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon , optional
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, put the cocoa powder, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Create Syrup: Gradually add the evaporated milk while stirring continuously to form a smooth syrup.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Make sure to stir constantly while doing this.
- Add Regular Milk: Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and whisk in the regular milk.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. Make sure it doesn't come to a boil again; just a gentle simmer.
- Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla Extract: Take the saucepan off the heat source and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Carefully pour the hot cocoa into your serving mugs.
- Garnish: If you like, add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to each mug for extra flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve your delicious hot cocoa immediately.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.