Why should I make my own Homemade Hot Chocolate?
Raise your hand if you’ve only ever had hot chocolate from a packet! That was me up until several years ago when I decided to try out making my own. How hard could it be? Just mix cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, right? It turns out it actually IS that simple. After adjusting my recipe several times over the years, I’ve finally landed on THE ONE. It’s a snap to make, not too sweet, never watery, and not too chocolatey (ok, that last one isn’t really true because when someone says hot chocolate, it better taste like CHOCOLATE 😉 ). Once you’ve tried this, you will never go back to packets again!
Toppings Ideas
For me, The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate has to have some toppings! Whether it’s just whipped cream or a peppermint stick to stir it around with, I love to decorate my cocoa with all the toppings I can gather! Here are a few combos we’ve tried:
whipped cream (duh)
mini marshmallows
chopped andes mints
whipped cream + any combination of the above
crushed candy canes
chocolate shavings
fluer de sel or any flaked sea salt
caramel sauce
My personal favorite combo:
whipped cream + mini marshmallows + crushed candy canes + chocolate shavings + flakey sea salt
Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Yield: 2 large 8 oz cups of cocoa or 3 smaller ones 1x
Description
This extra chocolatey and creamy hot cocoa would be perfect for a movie night, Christmas eve night, or any cold winter’s night.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 2% milk or dairy free milk* see my notes for recommendations
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or dairy free milk
- 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips (or dairy free chocolate chips)
- 5 Tablespoons (or 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons corn starch (you can leave this out if needed, but it brings a thick creaminess to the cocoa that makes it special.)
- a pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk together 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder, 3 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips, 5 Tablespoons powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Warm 1 1/2 Cups 2% milk and 1/2 Cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. Do not let the mixture boil.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder mixture over low heat. Keep whisking for one minute or just until chocolate chips are fully melted and mixture is fully incorporated.
- Pour into your favorite mugs and serve with your favorite hot cocoa toppings.
Notes
Dairy free version: to make this dairy free, just exchange both the milk and heavy cream for your favorite dairy free milk alternative. I highly recommend any oatmilk labled “extra creamy” as a replacement for both the milk and the cream in this recipe because it is a little thicker and will make for a richer hot chocolate that mimics the creaminess of the dairy version of this recipe so well. Use any dairy free chocolate chip you’d like as a replacement for the chips in the recipe.
Dairy free whipped topping: I recommend Coco Whip which is found in the freezer section of the grocery or your favorite spray can of dairy free whipped topping.
To make your own coconut whipped cream from canned, full fat coconut milk or a can of coconut cream: Chill your beaters and a mixing bowl for 10 minutes in the freezer, spoon out the coconut cream from a can of full fat coconut milk, if using, leaving behind the liquid, and with a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer, whip with 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar until thickened. If it’s not thick enough, place in the fridge (or freezer if you want it quicker) until it is to your liking. Chilling the can of coconut milk overnight guarantees the best result.
Mocha option: If you love hot chocolate with a coffee flavor, mix in 3 teaspoons (or more to your liking) of instant espresso powder. I prefer Cafe Bustello instant espresso, but instant coffee is fine as well.
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Em
one word: luxurious! it’s super easy to whip up and I had all the ingredients on hand! (I had to chop up regular chocolate chips so they would melt better) super creamy and just the right amount of chocolate 😋
lizlaughlovefood
I am so glad you enjoyed it! It’s going to be on repeat here at home all winter long!