Description
This rich and creamy stovetop hot chocolate recipe blends cocoa powder, brown sugar, and melted semi-sweet chocolate into warm milk for the perfect comforting beverage. Enhanced with vanilla and a pinch of sea salt, it delivers a luscious, smooth drink ideal for chilly days or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Generous pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently heat the mixture, whisking frequently until it begins to steam and tiny bubbles appear around the edges, careful not to let it boil.
- Melt Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until fully melted and incorporated for a glossy, rich texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute oat milk and use vegan chocolate chips.
- Adjust sweetness by substituting milk chocolate for semi-sweet or increasing the sugar by a tablespoon.
- To make it less rich for children, add some water to dilute the mixture.
- Single serving adaptation: 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips, a drop of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
