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

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

1. Roughly chop the chocolate into small pieces.

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

3. Add the cocoa powder while whisking.

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

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

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

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.

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’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!