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Home » Desserts » Hot Chocolate Recipe

Hot Chocolate Recipe

Rate Recipe By Jesseca on October 17, 2022

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Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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!

glass mug filled with cocoa that has been topped with whipped cream

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!

box of hersheys cocoa powder on a wooden cutting board

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. 
cocoa being poured into a clear mug

HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE

  1. PREP: Measure the sugar, cocoa powder, salt and water into a medium sized saucepan.
  2. 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.
  3. MIX: Remove the cocoa from the heat of the stove and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and half and half.
  4. 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.
top down image of a mug filled with hot chocolate sitting on a white plate with marshmallows on the side

TRY THESE OTHER MUST-TRY DRINK RECIPES

  • Cinnamon Coffee
  • Snickerdoodle Latte 
  • Homemade Gingerbread Latte
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte

Recipe Notes:

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 small servings or 2 large servings.

Is it better to use classic or Dutch cocoa?

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.

What can I add to hot chocolate?

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.

Do I have to use half and half in this recipe?

No. You can substitute the half and half with more milk. However, the half and half does add a creamy finish that is irresistible.

close up image of whipped cream topping that is sitting on cocoa

MORE MUST-TRY DRINK RECIPES

  • snickerdoodle latte

  • Butterbeer Latte

  • chai latte

  • caramel apple cider

Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

5 from 1 vote

Perfect Hot Cocoa

Created by: Jesseca

Course Drink Recipes
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
4 servings
This Perfect Hot Cocoa Recipe is a great way to share some love this winter! With just a few basic ingredients you can have a sweet cup of perfect hot chocolate ready in minutes! 
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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

You can use half and half, heavy cream, or whole milk added at the end. All of these help to cool the temperature while adding a wonderful creaminess to the drink. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Servings | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 412IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 1mg

Equipment

Measuring Cup
Whisk
Black Mug

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Jesseca - Author of One Sweet Appetite

Welcome, I'm Jesseca!

I could not be more excited to have you join me in my kitchen! Everyday easy recipes are my specialty, which means you will find so many fast, quick, and delicious recipes throughout my site. My goal is to create go-to recipes using simple ingredients and pantry staples.

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