Description
This Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is a rich and creamy beverage made from whole milk, cocoa powder, and bittersweet chocolate, enhanced with pure vanilla extract and topped with homemade whipped cream. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a comforting treat, this hot cocoa is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a smooth, chocolatey experience with customizable options for dairy-free and sweeter variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk, etc.)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whole milk, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder to a medium saucepan, preparing the base for the hot chocolate.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk occasionally, heating the mixture gently until it just begins to bubble without boiling to prevent scorching or separating.
- Add Chocolate and Vanilla: Once bubbling starts, add the bittersweet chocolate and pure vanilla extract, then whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate evenly into 4 small mugs and top each with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- 6 oz chocolate roughly equates to 1 cup chopped chocolate pieces.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use any dairy or non-dairy milk, but higher fat content milk like whole or 2% yield a creamier beverage. For dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk works well.
- Choose pure, unsweetened cocoa powder, with dark cocoa powder offering a richer, more intense flavor.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with white sugar, organic cane sugar, or coconut sugar depending on preference.
- For chocolate, semi-sweet or bittersweet is recommended; milk or white chocolate will result in a sweeter hot cocoa. For vegan versions, use dairy-free chocolate.
- Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor, but other extracts like peppermint can be added for variety.
- Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250 ml)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
