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    Home » Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa)

    Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa)

    Published: Nov 1, 2020 · Modified: Nov 26, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    The best homemade hot chocolate recipe. This hot cocoa is smooth, creamy and made with two forms of chocolate for a rich, deep chocolate flavor. It’s easy to make in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients.

    front photo of a glass mug of homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Say hello to the best hot chocolate recipe - seriously the absolute best. This hot cocoa is rich, creamy and so intensely chocolatey it will make you say, "goodbye" to powdered mixes once and for all. 

    This easy homemade hot chocolate is made in 5 minutes with only 5 ingredients (including two forms of chocolate) on the stovetop, so you can quickly whip up a batch to warm up after a day outside skiing or sledding, to enjoy with a side of cookies of course! 

    glass mug of homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

    This hot cocoa recipe is best when made as written, however we'll chat about some possible substitutions. If you're looking for an allergy-friendly hot chocolate recipe, try this Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate - which is Paleo and vegan!

    overhead view of the ingredients in this hot chocolate recipe
    • Whole milk. Any milk, dairy or non-dairy, should work very well in this recipe. Just remember, the higher the percentage of fat in your milk, the creamier your final product will be. My recommendations are whole or 2% milk, and coconut milk for a dairy-free/vegan version.
    • Cocoa Powder. Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. For a dark hot chocolate use dark cocoa powder. 
    • Granulated sugar.  Any granulated sugar works well in this recipe. I use organic cane sugar. For a refined-sugar free variety, substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar.
    • Chocolate. I recommend using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. You can  use milk chocolate or white chocolate, just be aware that the end result will be sweeter. For a dairy-free/vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate! You can also use bakers chocolate (100% cocoa) and just increase the amount of sugar to suit your tastes.
    • Vanilla Extract. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

    How to make Homemade Hot Chocolate

    So many people wonder, "How do you make hot chocolate from scratch?" Well, this hot cocoa recipe  is so easy you'll forget about store-bought mixes once and for all. It only takes 5 minutes to make, but as always we'll walk through the process together, and don't forget to watch the video. 

    Combine milk, sugar & cocoa powder

    Add milk, sugar and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan. 

    overhead photo showing how to make hot chocolate

    Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture just begins to bubble but does not boil.

    overhead photo showing how to make hot chocolate

    Add Chocolate & Vanilla 

    When the mixture just begins to bubble, turn off the heat and add the chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

    two overhead photos showing how to make hot chocolate

    Pour into mugs & Serve

    This hot cocoa recipe makes either 2-4 servings depending on the size of servings you'd prefer. Since this hot cocoa recipe is so rich, I usually pour it into 4 mugs and it's plenty for us! 

    Store

    If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container (glass jar) for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

    front view of a glass mug of homemade hot cocoa

    Add toppings

    This hot chocolate tastes amazing on its own. But if you're looking to jazz it up with some fun toppings, here are some suggestions: 

    • Homemade Whipped Cream (obviously)
    • Marshmallows (any variety, homemade marshmallows are delicious). 
    • Shaved chocolate
    • Dusting of cocoa powder
    • Holiday sprinkles
    • Crushed candy canes
    • Chopped peppermint bark
    overhead view of a mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream on top

    Recipe FAQs

    What are good toppings for hot chocolate? 

    Homemade Whipped Cream (obviously)
    Marshmallows (any variety, homemade marshmallows are delicious). 
    Shaved chocolate
    Dusting of cocoa powder
    Holiday sprinkles
    Crushed candy canes
    Chopped peppermint bark

    Can I make this dairy free?

    Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut milk. Try this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe.

    Is hot chocolate better with milk or water?

    Milk! I always make hot chocolate with milk.

    What other hot chocolate recipes can I make?

    I have so many hot cocoa recipes on my site! Try these:
    Making hot chocolate for a crowd? Try this crockpot hot chocolate!
    This peanut butter hot chocolate recipe is like drinking a warm peanut butter cup - YUM!
    As I mentioned before, this healthy hot chocolate is paleo and vegan! I also have a recipe for Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix, which you can keep on hand in the pantry and just add water to serve. 
    For a fun twist, make this Peppermint Hot Chocolate in your blender! 
    This mocha latte is another fun, warm drink that's healthy but sweet. 

    front view of a mug of homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa)

    Laura
    The best homemade hot chocolate recipe. This hot cocoa is smooth, creamy and made with two forms of chocolate for a rich, deep chocolate flavor. It’s easy to make in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients.
    5 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 7 mins
    Course beverage, Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 397 kcal

    Equipment

    • 3 quart saucepan
    • whisk
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 ½ cups whole milk
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 6 oz (1 cup) bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk, etc.)
    • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • Homemade Whipped Cream for serving
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Add milk, sugar and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan.
    • Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture just begins to bubble but does not boil.
    • Add chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
    • Pour into 4 small mugs and serve with homemade whipped cream.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions  

    • Whole milk. Any milk, dairy or non-dairy, should work very well in this recipe. Just remember, the higher the percentage of fat in your milk, the creamier your final product will be. My recommendations are whole or 2% milk, and coconut milk for a dairy-free/vegan version.
    • Cocoa Powder. Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. For a dark hot chocolate use dark cocoa powder. 
    • Granulated sugar.  Any granulated sugar works well in this recipe. I use organic cane sugar. For a refined-sugar free variety, substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar.
    • Chocolate. I recommend using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. You can  use milk chocolate or white chocolate, just be aware that the end result will be sweeter. For a dairy-free/vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate! You can also use bakers chocolate (100% cocoa) and just increase the amount of sugar to suit your tastes.
    • Vanilla Extract. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

    Store

    If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container (glass jar) for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 397kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 8gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 71mgPotassium: 484mgFiber: 4gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 268IUCalcium: 202mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lola

      March 14, 2023 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      This was absolutely amazing, thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Laura

        March 14, 2023 at 1:31 pm

        Thank you so much Lola!

        Reply
    2. Kristen

      December 09, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was easy and delicious! The only thing I would change would be to use milk chocolate instead of semi sweet chocolate. The semi sweet made it more bitter!

      Reply
    3. Holly

      November 15, 2022 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious. My son said this is the best hot chocolate he has ever had. This is so much better then the instant ones. L

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 15, 2022 at 4:17 pm

        Thank you, Holly!

        Reply
    4. Lisa Ambrose

      December 06, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      How do you just make it for one

      Reply
      • Laura

        December 07, 2021 at 7:22 am

        You can cut the recipe ingredients in half!

        Reply
    5. Ashley Northcutt

      November 22, 2021 at 6:55 am

      5 stars
      It was good. I need new recipes for Christmas drinks.

      Reply
    6. Cora R.

      December 17, 2020 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      This was DELICIOUS!

      Reply
    7. Mone

      December 17, 2020 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and think it was delicious.

      Reply

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    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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