Cuddle up with a mug of the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate for a rich, chocolatey, comforting drink that feels like a hug!
The Hot Chocolate Recipe for Cold Weather
I created this recipe for the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate for cold winter days just like today! Cocoa packets are convenient, but they’re nothing compared to the rich, comforting goodness of a cup of really good hot chocolate. This recipe is easy to follow and so worth it! You’ll surely want to add it to your winter warm up routine!
What’s the Difference Between Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?
The difference between cocoa and hot chocolate is really in how it’s made. Hot chocolate is made by heating milk and melting chopped chocolate. It’s generally richer and sometimes a tad bitter (though my hot chocolate recipe is sweeter). Cocoa is thinner, often much sweeter, and what you find in packets in the grocery store.
Watch Me Make the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate!
Join me in the kitchen to make the most satisfying, best tasting hot chocolate!
A Spectacular Hot Chocolate Bar
Beat back the winter blues with a Hot Chocolate Bar from pages 256-257 of my Spectacular Spreads cookbook. With this delicious hot chocolate recipe and all the toppings and ix-ins to customize your own delicious cups of comforting perfection.
What Do I Need to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate?
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, optional
- Mini marshmallows, optional
Sweet Tip!
If you like your hot chocolate less sweet, you can leave out the sugar in this recipe for a more traditional hot chocolate experience. You can also omit the sugar if you plan on adding sweet toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup of the milk, sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a bare simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the remaining 7 cups milk and the vanilla. Whisk until combined and heated through. Do not bring to a boil.
- Serve immediately or continue to whisk often while warming over low heat.
How to Store and Reheat Hot Chocolate
Serving this hot chocolate at a party? Keep it hot in a coffee urn/hot beverage dispenser! Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat over low heat on the stove, whisking often.
If you make my Best Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!
xoxo,
The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
Description
Cuddle up with a mug of the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate for a rich, chocolatey, comforting drink that feels like a hug!
Ingredients
- 8 cups whole milk, divided
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup of the milk, sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a bare simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the remaining 7 cups milk and the vanilla. Whisk until combined and heated through. Do not bring to a boil. Serve immediately or continue to whisk often while warming over low heat.
Your recipe for hot chocolate sounds wonderful, but I can’t have whole milk and don’t tolerate almond or soy milk very well, so would it work to use 1% or 2% milk?
Thanks!!
Hi Peggy! Absolutely, I actually just made it with Fairlife fat free, lactose free milk and it turned out just as delicious! We all loved it!