Description
This homemade hot chocolate recipe creates a rich and creamy drink made from whole milk, cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate, and vanilla extract, topped with luscious homemade whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy treat or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk, etc.)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add milk, sugar, and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan, stirring to begin mixing all components evenly.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk occasionally until the mixture just begins to bubble but does not boil, ensuring the cocoa powder and sugar dissolve completely.
- Add Chocolate and Vanilla: Add the bittersweet chocolate and vanilla extract to the hot milk mixture, whisking continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into 4 small mugs and top each with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream for a creamy finish.
Notes
- 6 oz chocolate is equivalent to 1 cup chopped chocolate.
- Any milk, dairy or non-dairy (such as full-fat coconut milk), can be used; higher fat content results in a creamier drink.
- Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder; dark cocoa powder will yield a richer flavor.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with white sugar, organic cane sugar, or coconut sugar.
- For dairy-free or vegan versions, choose dairy-free chocolate and non-dairy milk alternatives.
- Pure vanilla extract delivers the best flavor, but other extracts like peppermint can be added for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
