It's hot chocolate season so get your largest most festive mugs ready! This homemade Hot Chocolate recipe uses real chocolate NO powder mixes here! The result is a rich and creamy hot cocoa. Plus, it's just THREE simple ingredients. You can use any kind of chocolate from milk to semi-sweet to dark chocolate chips. And don't forget to add these festive hot chocolate spoons both kids and adults will love!
I am happy to share that I partnered with Dairy Council of Florida to bring you this deliciously cheesy snack!
As a kid, I always looked forward to a mug of sweet hot chocolate after playing in the snow for hours. It now has become a tradition for my kids so I thought it was time to develop my own homemade recipe that they can pass down to their kids.
Now I do love the convenience of a Swiss Miss packet, it doesn't always yield the best hot chocolate. Plus, those hot chocolate mixes have artificial ingredients, corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. Yuck.
So why not make your own healthier HOMEMADE hot chocolate with real whole milk or cream and good quality chocolate?
My kids love eating their hot chocolate with my Cake Mix Cookies and of course, my Christmas Cake Balls.
Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- Chocolate- Any chocolate works but I recommend using the best quality chocolate you have! *See my recommended chocolate brands below!
- Milk/Cream- I recommend using a mixture of whole milk & cream to get the creamiest hot chocolate.
- Vanilla Extract- Vanilla adds a delicious flavor that I love!
Instructions
Step 1: Heat milk in a saucepan until just simmering but not boiling.
Step 2: Turn off heat and mix in vanilla and chocolate of choice until the chocolate is fully melted.
Step 3: Pour into mug and top with toppings of choice. *See topping recommendations below.
📃 NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Chocolate Recommendations
This recipe uses milk chocolate which is already made with sugar. That's why sugar is not an ingredient.
If you want to use dark chocolate or semi-sweet, I highly recommend adding about 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar to each cup.
Here are some good chocolate brands you can use:
✔ Godiva
✔ Ghiradelli
✔ Nestle
✔ Hersheys
✔ Dove
Chocolate Bar, Wafers or Chips?
You can use any type of chocolate you wish in your hot chocolate however you want your chocolate to be cut into small pieces so it melts easier.
If using a bar of chocolate, shaving it or cutting it into small chunks is best.
Chocolate bars are higher quality chocolate compared to chips and wafers, which have fats and other ingredients that can affect the taste and melting properties.
Here is a list of the best melting chocolates.
Hot Chocolate Toppings
Anything sweet would really be divine on hot chocolate but here are some of my favorite topping recommendations!
- Homemade whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate or caramel syrup
- Gingerbread cookies
- Christmas or holiday sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows
Expert Tips
- Don't boil your milk. You want to just warm it up enough for the chocolate to melt.
- Use the best chocolate you can find with minimal additives.
- Mixing in different extracts will give you different flavor combinations.
- You will need to reheat the hot chocolate once it cools to re-incorporate the ingredients.
- Use whole milk to get the richest, creamiest hot cocoa.
- Add in peanut butter chips for a chocolate peanut butter flavor.
Extra Hot Chocolate?
Keep your cooled hot chocolate in a sealed container or pitcher in the fridge for at least a week. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Mix well to re-incorporate the chocolate.
FAQ's
Most chocolate melts between 85-90 degrees F.
Add a half to one tablespoon of powdered sugar to your hot chocolate. Sweeten to your liking.
Although some people thing one is sweeter or richer than the other, they both are the same thing.
Other chocolate treats you'll love:
Gooey Chocolate Chip Vanilla Pudding Cookies
Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bark with Caramel
EDIBLE Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites (No Bake)
GOOEY Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies
Sea Salt Chocolate Covered Potato Chips Recipe
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Hot Chocolate Using Real Chocolate (No Cocoa Powder!)
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk or cream
- 12-15 oz. good milk chocolate (*see notes)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chop your chocolate into small pieces if using a bar.
- Add milk to a saucepan over medium low heat. Bring to a light simmer.
- Turn off heat and whisk in chocolate and vanilla until fully dissolved.
- Serve with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and/or a peppermint stick or candy cane.
Recipe Notes
- Don't boil your milk. You want to just warm it up enough for the chocolate to melt. The ideal temperature is 90 F.
- Use the best chocolate you can find.
- Mixing in different extracts will give you different flavor combinations.
- You will need to reheat the hot chocolate once it cools to re-incorporate the ingredients.
- Use whole milk and/or cream to get the richest, creamiest hot cocoa.
- Add in peanut butter chips for a chocolate peanut butter flavor.
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!