Description
This Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is a rich and creamy delight perfect for cozying up on chilly days. Made with whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and bittersweet chocolate, it delivers a deeply chocolatey flavor complemented by pure vanilla extract. Topped with homemade whipped cream, this classic drink is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with various milk and chocolate options to suit dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk, or dairy-free chocolate)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the milk, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder to a medium saucepan.
- Heat the Mixture: Warm the ingredients over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture just begins to bubble. Avoid boiling this mixture to preserve smoothness and prevent scorching.
- Add Chocolate and Vanilla: Stir in the bittersweet chocolate and pure vanilla extract, whisking continuously until the chocolate has fully melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into four small mugs and top each serving with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- 6 oz of chocolate roughly equals 1 cup in volume.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk variety, including dairy-free options like full-fat coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder; dark cocoa powder is ideal for a richer flavor.
- Granulated sugar can be replaced with white sugar, organic cane sugar, or coconut sugar.
- For chocolate, semi-sweet or bittersweet varieties are recommended. Milk or white chocolate can be used but will make the drink sweeter. Dairy-free chocolate works for vegan versions.
- Pure vanilla extract is best; other extracts like peppermint can be added for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
