This Hot Chocolate Recipe is rich, creamy, and ready in minutes. Learn the secret ingredient that makes it taste better than any packet mix.

Mug of rich hot chocolate topped with a swirl of whipping cream and delicate chocolate shavings.
chelsea

author’s note

Ditch Those Cocoa Packets, Make This Instead!

I grew up drinking packet hot cocoa, and it was one of my favorite winter treats. But everything changed the first time I tasted real homemade hot chocolate. It was deeper, creamier, and tasted like actual chocolate. Since then, I’ve been hooked.

A few years ago, I tried an especially incredible hot chocolate at a friend’s baby shower. It was so good I had to know what she put in it. Her answer: Dutch-process dark cocoa powder. That was it. No complicated steps and no fancy tricks, just better cocoa. I went home, bought a container, and I’ve never looked back. It truly makes all the difference.

And here’s the funny part: for how good this hot chocolate is, it takes about as much effort as making the packet version I grew up on. As a busy mom, I love a shortcut, but this is one thing where the shortcut takes the same amount of time and the real version tastes a hundred times better.

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Ingredients laid out for this recipe, featuring cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and other essentials.

Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients

IngredientSwaps or Tips
Dutch-process cocoa powderHershey’s Special Dark is my go-to. Regular cocoa works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
White sugarSwap half for brown sugar for a light caramel note.
Pinch of sea saltEven a tiny bit makes a big difference.
Whole milkUse 2 percent for lighter cocoa. Oat milk works great too.
Heavy creamUse extra milk instead for a lighter drink.
Vanilla extractSwap for peppermint or orange extract for flavor variations.
The process of adding ingredients for the homemade hot chocolate to a pot and whisking until a smooth mixture is achieved.

How To Make Hot Chocolate Recipe

  1. Dry ingredients: Stir cocoa, sugar, and salt together in a saucepan to break up lumps.
  2. Add the dairy: Pour in the milk and cream, whisk until smooth.
  3. Heat: Warm over medium heat until steaming and hot (don’t boil).
  4. Finish with vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  5. Serve: Pour into mugs and load up with favorite toppings.

Topping Ideas

  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Crushed toffee (Heath) bars
  • Peppermint sticks or Peppermint Bark
  • Lindt truffles (add one truffle to your cup)
  • Pirouette cookies
  • Homemade Marshmallows
  • Dehydrated marshmallows (I’ve found these on the coffee aisle in most grocery stores or online)
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Different flavors of coffee creamers
  • Whipped Cream
  • Caramel sauce
  • Hot Fudge Sauce
  • Peppermint stick ice cream (one scoop in a cup of hot chocolate and you’ll never go back)
Hot chocolate in a pan, warming up, being whisked, and ready for serving.

Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs

How To Make A Dry Hot Chocolate Mix?

Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk and store airtight if prepping ahead.

How To Make Hot Cocoa For One?

Whisk 1 tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small pot. Gradually add 1 cup milk, whisking until smooth. Heat over medium until warm. Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and enjoy hot.

Does Hot Cocoa Have Caffeine?

Hot cocoa has 5-15 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, compared to coffee’s 95 mg.

What To Serve With Hot Cocoa:

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5 from 4 votes
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Hot Chocolate

By Chelsea Lords
Once you try this creamy Hot Chocolate, you’ll never go back to store-bought mixes—it’s so easy and so good!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 cups of hot chocolate

Equipment

Ingredients

Base Hot Chocolate Recipe
Optional Toppings
  • Whipped cream
  • Miniature marshmallows or dehydrated marshmallows
  • Chocolate shavings using a vegetable peeler, peel a chocolate bar!
Variation Ideas
  • Orange extract see note 2
  • peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions 

  • In a saucepan or pot, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
  • Stir in the milk and cream and whisk until smooth. Bring the hot chocolate to your desired serving temperature.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour into cups or mugs and garnish as desired with whatever add-ins you’d like!
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: I don’t recommend plain cocoa powder (way less flavor!). Hershey’s® “Special Dark” cocoa powder is a Dutch-process cocoa powder that is readily found at most grocery stores. This is my favorite cocoa powder.
Note 2: Instead of vanilla extract, try orange extract for an orange hot chocolate or peppermint extract for a minty hot chocolate.
Nutrition Note: Nutrition information does not include whipped cream or toppings.
Storage: This is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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