Description
This rich and creamy stovetop hot chocolate recipe combines cocoa powder, brown sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a perfectly comforting drink. Using simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a warm, chocolaty treat ideal for cozy evenings or chilly days. Customize your hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, or dairy-free alternatives for a versatile beverage everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Generous pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine And Whisk Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly to blend the dry ingredients smoothly into the milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Heat The Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue whisking intermittently as the mixture warms. Heat until the liquid is steaming and tiny bubbles start to form around the edges—be careful not to let it boil to avoid scorching or bitterness.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips. Continue stirring until the chocolate melts completely and the hot chocolate is velvety and uniform in texture.
- Finish With Vanilla And Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor and add depth to the drink. Mix well.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the hot chocolate right away for the best taste. Garnish optionally with whipped cream or marshmallows to elevate the indulgence.
Notes
- Use oat milk and vegan chocolate chips to make a dairy-free hot chocolate alternative.
- For a sweeter flavor, substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate and/or increase the sugar by one tablespoon.
- If serving young children or those who prefer a lighter drink, add water to dilute the richness to taste.
- For a single serving, use 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips, a drop of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
