This easy Homemade Hot Chocolate is the very best. Made with just a few basic ingredients and giving you the most rich and creamy perfect cup of cocoa! Ready in minutes and perfect for chilly winter nights.
This classic hot chocolate is the base for all of my other cocoa recipes! Be sure to check out my Mexican Hot Chocolate, Spiked Cocoa Recipe, Nutella Hot Chocolate, and Christmas Cocoa!
RECIPE FEATURES
- 5 Ingredients: You’ll be shocked when I tell you that you will only need five basic ingredients to make this belly warming drink.
- Better Than Starbucks: My teenager proclaims that this is a Starbucks Copycat Hot Chocolate, only better.
- Easy to Customize: Check out a few of the ways we like to customize this easy drink below.
There are three drinks I live on in the cooler winter months. You won’t see me going a day without caramel apple cider, chai latte, or homemade hot cocoa.
Homemade hot chocolate checks every box. It is creamy with rich chocolate flavor and perfect for curling up on a chilly winter night. It also happens to be the easiest to make, taking a whopping five minutes. Once you try this recipe you’ll be tossing out any leftover powder packets you have cluttering your pantry!
HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE WITH COCOA POWDER
As far as ingredients go. this recipe combines sugar with cocoa and a bit of milk. Once you have your base heated it’s time for the secret ingredient. To getting the overly rich finish you’ll add a splash of half and half. You’ll be blown away how much this adds to the finish and really takes this from good to great. Here is everything you’ll need to get started:
- Cocoa Powder: I have always opted for classic cocoa powder, specifically Hershey’s. Its the most commonly found option in our grocery store and produces delicious results. You can, however, use any of your favorite cocoa powder brands.
- Sugar: One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I like mine sweet, but not too sweet. If you find you’d like a little more of a boost, add a little more sugar.
- Milk: Use at least 2% milk, if not whole. The higher fat content is what will give you that extra creamy finish. In fact, this recipe also calls for a little half and half to finish things off to make it even more creamy. If you want to skip this ingredient, just use a little more milk.
- Vanilla Extract: I say it all of the time, but pure vanilla extract is key. Imitation vanilla can leave a slight chemical flavor in your drink.
- Toppings: Does this need any additional toppings? Nope. Are they fun? Definitely. If you are feeling extra adventurous you could whip up some homemade marshmallows. They are surprisingly simple to make and add the perfect finishing touch.
HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE
- PREP: Measure the sugar, cocoa powder, salt and water into a medium sized saucepan.
- HEAT: Turn the heat to medium and bring the chocolate mixture to a boil, whisking occasionally. Slowly stir in the milk making sure to stir until it is fully incorporated. Bring to just a simmer, making sure not to boil.
- MIX: Remove the cocoa from the heat of the stove and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and half and half.
- ENJOY: Divide between your prepared mugs and enjoy!
Like this post? Be sure the check out my 15 Must Make Christmas Brunch Recipes!
HELPFUL TOOLS
- Pot: I love this pot with a pour spout (affiliate) for all of my drink recipes. It makes it super simple to pour into your glasses without any spilling. I also use it for reheating soups and stews.
- Silicone Whisk: If you are using a coated pot you want to avoid using abrasive utensils. A silicone lined whisk (affiliate) is going to be a game changer in your kitchen.
- Mugs: I used these glass mugs (affiliate) for these photos.
TRY THESE OTHER MUST-TRY DRINK RECIPES
Recipe Notes:
This recipe makes 4 small servings or 2 large servings.
I prefer natural cocoa powder for this recipe, which gives it a lighter sharp flavor that works perfectly with the half and half. If you want a more deep flavor, dry Dutch cocoa and replace the half and half with more milk.
This recipe doesn’t need much added to make it delicious. However, there are a few things you can mix in to change things up! Try adding marshmallows, whipped cream topping, caramel sauce, and even crushed candy canes.
No. You can substitute the half and half with more milk. However, the half and half does add a creamy finish that is irresistible.
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Perfect Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- pinch salt
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup half and half or cream
Instructions
- Gently whisk the sugar, cocoa powder, salt and hot water in a medium sized saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and slowly stir in the milk.
- Heat the mixture until the milk has just heated through and is slightly warmer than drinking temperature, do not boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and cream.
- Divide between 4 cups and serve with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!
Find even more recipes!
Be sure to share it in the comments below and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more delicious recipes.