Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
There’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate, especially when it’s made from scratch! This rich and creamy recipe is the perfect blend of milk, semi-sweet chocolate, and a dash of cinnamon for that extra warmth.
Whether you’re sipping it on a cold day or sharing it with friends and family, this homemade hot chocolate will become your go-to treat all winter long. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Ingredients
- Milk (whole milk works best, but you can use any milk of your choice)
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- Salt
- Cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy warmth)
- Vanilla extract
- Homemade whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
Directions
- Whisk the milk and dry ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together over medium heat until the mixture is well combined and starts to steam.
- Melt the chocolate morsels: Once the milk mixture is heated, remove it from the heat. Add in the semi-sweet chocolate morsels and stir until they melt completely into the milk. This is the magic moment when your hot chocolate transforms into something incredibly rich and velvety.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy: Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and if you like, a sprinkle of cinnamon or shaved chocolate for that extra indulgent touch.
This homemade hot chocolate is so rich and decadent, it’s bound to warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a festive treat for your holiday gatherings.
Variations
This classic homemade hot chocolate recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few fun and delicious variations to try:
1. Minty Hot Chocolate
Add a few drops of peppermint extract or top your hot chocolate with a peppermint stick for a refreshing twist. You can also stir in crushed candy canes for a little extra crunch and festive flair.
2. Spiced Hot Chocolate
For a cozy, spiced version, add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or a dash of chili powder to the mix. You can also experiment with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for even more depth of flavor.
3. Nutty Hot Chocolate
Stir in a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut spread (like Nutella) for a creamy, nutty flavor. Top with crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for extra texture.
4. Caramel Hot Chocolate
Drizzle some caramel syrup into your hot chocolate or swirl in a spoonful of dulce de leche. To make it extra fancy, top it with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
5. S’mores Hot Chocolate
Get nostalgic with a s’mores-inspired hot chocolate! Add a scoop of mini marshmallows, top with graham cracker crumbs, and place a toasted marshmallow on top for the ultimate s’mores experience.
6. Boozy Hot Chocolate
For the adults, add a splash of your favorite liquor! Bourbon, Baileys Irish Cream, or even a bit of Kahlúa all pair wonderfully with hot chocolate. Add the alcohol after removing the saucepan from the heat for a warm, boozy treat.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own signature twist on this cozy drink. There’s no wrong way to enjoy a delicious cup of homemade hot chocolate!
PrintHomemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Warm up your day with this rich, creamy homemade hot chocolate that’s the ultimate comfort in a mug. Made with a blend of milk, cocoa, and semi-sweet chocolate morsels, this cozy drink is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you toasty all season long. Whether you top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to for chilly days. Perfect for sipping solo or sharing with loved ones!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (whole milk works best, but you can use any milk of your choice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy warmth)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Homemade whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Whisk the milk and dry ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together over medium heat until the mixture is well combined and starts to steam.
- Melt the chocolate morsels: Once the milk mixture is heated, remove it from the heat. Add in the semi-sweet chocolate morsels and stir until they melt completely into the milk. This is the magic moment when your hot chocolate transforms into something incredibly rich and velvety.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour your homemade hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and if you like, a sprinkle of cinnamon or shaved chocolate for that extra indulgent touch.
Notes
Okay, let’s get one thing straight—while this homemade hot chocolate is undeniably delicious, I’m not here to promise that it’s health food in a cup. Sure, it’s rich, creamy, and comforting, but it’s also got some sugar and chocolate involved, so don’t come at me for that extra cup of whipped cream. 🍫☕
The nutrition information is a general guide, but your actual results might vary depending on the type of milk, chocolate, and toppings you use. If you’re trying to avoid sugar, swap it out, or, you know, just take a walk after your indulgence. 😉
Treat yourself—responsibly. Or don’t. Your call.
Because let’s face it—everyone uses different ingredients, measures things differently, and, well, we’re not all using the same size spoons. So take the numbers with a grain of salt (or a dash of extra butter, depending on your tastes). 😉
I hope you love this homemade hot chocolate as much as I do! If you try it (or one of the variations), make sure to comment below and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear your creative twists on this recipe!
Don’t forget to share this post with friends who need a little extra warmth this season. And if you’re a fan of Pinterest, be sure to pin this recipe so you can easily come back to it whenever the craving strikes!
