• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to content

Preppy Kitchen logo

  • About
    • Meet John
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Breads
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Casseroles
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks
    • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Press
  • All Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Follow us on

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Hot Chocolate

    Hot Chocolate

    Published: January 29, 2021 · Modified: Jan 29, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    How to make the most incredible, rich, smooth, and creamy Hot Chocolate from scratch. This recipe is made with real chocolate, milk, and vanilla and takes under 10 minutes to make. Top with whipped cream and extra chocolate shavings for the ultimate sweet treat. Grab a mug and get cozy.

    A blue china cup of hot chocolate
    209 shares
    • Share
    • Reddit
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate
    A pinterest graphic of a mug of hot chocolate

    When you’re craving a hot, velvety rich mug of hot chocolate the last thing you want is to reach for the powdered packeted stuff which, let’s face it is always a letdown. Instead, make the most delicious and decadent hot chocolate made with real chopped up chocolate, that’s melted with whole milk and vanilla.

    Not only is it far superior, it takes only around 5-10 minutes to make so it’s super quick and easy too. It’s the ultimate way to stay warm and cozy during the colder months or get that chocolate fix when a craving strikes. You can easily customize it with different flavors or keep it simple topped with fresh whipped cream and extra chocolate shavings because why not? 

    What you need to make this recipe

    An overhead shot of all the ingredients you need to make hot chocolate

    Milk – I like to use whole milk because it gives the hot chocolate a rich and creamy texture. You can use skim milk, but it won’t give you the same creamy texture and yes you can use cream or half and half but just a warning that it will be very very rich!

    Chocolate – make sure to use semi-sweet or if you prefer a more intense taste bittersweet chocolate. For best results go for high-quality chocolate such as Ghirardelli which melts beautifully and tastes delicious. Other brands I recommend are; Guittard, Scharffen Berger, or Valhrona but those are a little harder to find.

    The milk and sugar mellows the flavor of the chocolate so don’t worry if you’re not a dark chocolate fan there’s no need to use milk chocolate unless you like it extra sweet.

    Vanilla – the vanilla extract takes the flavor up a notch and adds richness. Make sure to use extract and not essence which is synthetic.

    Cocoa powder – make sure to use a high-quality cocoa powder that’s unsweetened 100% cocoa. This will ensure you get the best flavor without any added sugar. I recommend Ghirardelli which can be found in most supermarkets. Other cocoa powder brands I recommend are; Valhorna pure cocoa powder and Callebaut.

    How to make Hot Chocolate

    Chocolate getting chopped and sugar getting added to a saucepan of milk

    1. Roughly chop the chocolate into small pieces.

    2. Add the milk and sugar to a saucepan and heat it gently.

    Two photos showing how to make hot chocolate

    3. Add the cocoa powder while whisking.

    4. Keep whisking until incorporated then add the chopped chocolate.

    Vanilla getting added to hot chocolate and a mug of it topped with whipped cream

    5. Once melted add the vanilla and whisk to combine.

    6. Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional).

    An overhead shot of a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream

    Pro tips for making this recipe

    • Don’t let the hot chocolate boil or the chocolate will split and you’ll have a grainy texture.
    • The thickness of the hot chocolate comes from the chocolate itself so if you’d like a thicker texture you can either add more chocolate or you can add a cornstarch slurry made of 2 tsp cornstarch and 4-5 tsp water. Add it to the saucepan and stir until thickened.
    • You can easily customize your hot chocolate with different flavors by swapping the vanilla extract for orange, peppermint, or even rum extract. If you’d like to add a splash of liqueur why not try baileys, amaretto, or a nut liqueur such as Frangelico.
    • Although I recommend using either semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate you can use milk chocolate if you prefer (you may need to adjust the amount of sugar added because milk chocolate is much sweeter).
    • Topping ideas – other than whipped cream and chocolate shavings you could top your hot chocolate with marshmallow (if you love baking why not make your own homemade marshmallows) or add crushed candy canes during the holidays.

    A side shot of a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

    Hot cocoa from a packet is made with powdered chocolate and powdered milk which you then add hot water or milk to whereas hot chocolate is much richer made with real chopped up chocolate that’s melted with milk.

    Can I make it dairy free?

    Yes, to make it dairy-free you can replace the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These are all great options but they will change the overall flavor and texture since it’s hard to replace the creaminess found in dairy milk.

    Can I reheat leftover hot chocolate?

    Yes, you can reheat it but make sure you don’t bring it to a boil, or the chocolate will split causing it to have a grainy texture. Keep an eye on it and stir it until it’s hot but not boiling.

    How long does it last?

    Make sure to let the hot chocolate cool completely then you can store it in the fridge (covered) for 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • Folded crepes with berries and powdered sugar on a blue and white plate.

      Crepes Recipe

    • A blueberry muffin torn in half revealing a berry-filled interior.

      Blueberry Muffins

    • Chocolate Chip Muffins on a wooden board next to a glass of milk.

      Chocolate Chip Muffins

    • A blue china cup of hot chocolate

    • A plate with a hot chocolate cookies in front of a glass of milk.

      Hot Chocolate Cookies

    If you’ve tried this Hot Chocolate recipe then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A close up hot chocolate in a white mug
    Print
    5 from 25 votes

    Hot Chocolate

    How to make the best hot chocolate from scratch. Don't forget to check out my step by step photos and tips above.
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 2 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 7 minutes
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 847kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups whole milk (700mL)
    • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
    • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chopped or chips (40z/113g)
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml)

    Instructions

    • First, roughly chop the chocolate into small pieces or use chocolate chips.
    • Combine milk, and sugar in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Whisk together and warm while whisking frequently.
    • Add the cocoa powder in and whisk together over heat until hot but not boiling.
    • Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until all the pieces have melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Serve with whipped cream.

    Notes

    • Don't let the hot chocolate boil or the chocolate will split and you'll have a grainy texture.
    • The thickness of the hot chocolate comes from the chocolate itself so if you'd like a thicker texture you can either add more chocolate or you can add a cornstarch slurry made of 2 tsp cornstarch and 4-5 tsp water. Add it to the saucepan and stir until thickened.
    • You can easily customize your hot chocolate with different flavors by swapping the vanilla extract for orange, peppermint, or even rum extracts. If you'd like to add a splash of liqueur why not try baileys, amaretto, or a nut liqueur such as Frangelico.
    • Although I recommend using either semi-sweet or dark chocolate you can use milk chocolate if you prefer (you may need to adjust the amount of sugar added because milk chocolate is much sweeter).
    • Topping ideas - other than whipped cream and chocolate shavings you could top your hot chocolate with marshmallow or crushed candy canes during the holidays.
    • Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated (do not boil). I don't recommend freezing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 847kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 1096mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 76g | Vitamin A: 637IU | Calcium: 478mg | Iron: 7mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « Mango Salsa
    Carmelitas »

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

    Search

    Follow Us On

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Preppy Kitchen Newsletter

    Sign up to receive recipes, recommendations and tips straight to your inbox!

    Buy My Book

    As Seen On

    As seen on Elle Décor, People, Food Network and more

    Top recipes This Month

    • A stack of peanut butter cookies on a small wooden board

      Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    • An Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie next to a glass of milk

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a green and white plate.

      Lemon Bars

    • A group of pink macarons on a serving tray next to flowers

      Macaron Recipe

    • A cake stand with a slice of red velvet cake cut out and placed on a plate in front.

      Red Velvet Cake

    • An Espresso martini on a gray surface with coffee beans scattered around

      Espresso Martini

    • A plate with multiple cake pops on it with one with a bite taken out.

      Cake Pops

    • A photo of a vanilla cupcake on a cupcake stand with vanilla buttercream frosting beautifully piped on top.

      Buttercream Frosting

    • A group of shortbread cookies. some are stacked while others are on crumpled paper.

      Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    • A plate with a chocolate lava cake with the molten center pouring out.

      Chocolate Lava Cake

    Footer

    As Seen On:

    Elle Décor, People, Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Woman's Day, forkly, Yummly, the Bump, Buzz Feed, Home and Family and New York magazine.

    The Brand

    • About John
    • Press

    Preppy Kitchen Logo

    Dessert Recipes

    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Pies
    • All Desserts

    Main Course Recipes

    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Casseroles
    • InstantPot
    • Soups
    • Salads

    COPYRIGHT © 2015 - 2020 PREPPY KITCHEN | PRIVACY POLICY

    209 shares