Hot Chocolate Recipe
Learn how to make the best hot chocolate from scratch. Rich, velvety, and incredibly delicious, top it with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect winter beverage.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 428kcal
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk (720mL)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped bars (6.3 ounces, 180g)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk to combine the milk, sugar, and cocoa. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and warm. (Do not bring the mixture to a boil.)
- Add the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars and whisk occasionally for about 2 minutes or until all the chocolate pieces have melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla. Divide evenly in mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Notes
- Use whole milk: Whole milk will yield a velvety, perfectly thick homemade hot chocolate. While you can use low-fat or nonfat milk, I do think the consistency and overall richness suffer.
- For a creamier drink, replace up to 1 cup of whole milk with half and half or up to ½ cup of the milk with heavy cream.
- Don't let the hot chocolate boil, or the chocolate will split and will become grainy.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 319IU | Calcium: 258mg | Iron: 3mg