Description
This homemade hot chocolate recipe is rich, creamy, and made with real chocolate for the ultimate cozy holiday treat. Perfect for festive gatherings or quiet nights by the fire, it combines cocoa powder, milk, and chocolate chips to create a smooth, indulgent beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate Base
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup cold whole milk
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prep cocoa powder: Whisk together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 pinch salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add 1/2 cup cold milk, whisking constantly, until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved in the milk.
- Cook cocoa: Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Add chocolate: Stir in 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips until melted. If the chocolate does not melt completely, gently warm the mixture over low heat until smooth, being careful not to boil the mixture after adding chocolate to prevent it from seizing.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve at your desired temperature. Top with optional chocolate shavings, whipped cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles as preferred.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, or substitute with any milk alternative for a different flavor.
- Adjust sugar level to taste if you prefer it less or more sweet.
- For a richer drink, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
- Stir constantly during heating to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Do not boil the mixture once chocolate is added to avoid seizing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 71 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
