Description
This homemade hot chocolate recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and decadent drink made with real chocolate, perfect for cozy holiday gatherings or relaxing winter evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
Dairy and Chocolate
- 4 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 of milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat while 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 they are melted. If the chocolate does not fully melt, gently warm the mixture over low heat without boiling to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve at your desired temperature with optional toppings such as whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer and creamier texture; low-fat or non-dairy milk can be used but will alter creaminess.
- Adjust sugar amount to taste for a sweeter or less sweet hot chocolate.
- Stir constantly to prevent the milk from scorching during heating.
- Do not boil once the chocolate is added to avoid seizing or grainy texture.
- Top with marshmallows or whipped cream for a festive touch.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
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
