This creamy, dreamy Hot Chocolate is so good that once you try this recipe and see how easy it is to make, you’ll never go back to buying mixes or packets!

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

Homemade Hot Chocolate

As autumn leaves start to fall and winter’s chill sets in, there’s one thing I can’t resist – wrapping my hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate! Honestly, it’s my ultimate cold-weather comfort. Lately, I’ve been indulging in a heavenly duo: hot cocoa paired with these chewy chocolate chip cookies. It’s my current dessert obsession!

Sure, store-bought packets are quick and handy, but wait till you try this homemade version. Not only is it bursting with rich flavor and made from ingredients you likely already have, but it’s also a breeze to whip up and customize to your liking.

Ready to elevate your hot chocolate game? Follow along and discover how to craft the perfect cup, leaving those store packets behind!

Quick Tip

Is it hot cocoa or hot chocolate? While the terms are often used interchangeably, they differ. Hot cocoa is a mix of cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, typically found in store packets. It’s sweeter and lighter. Hot chocolate, also known as “drinking chocolate”, is made from real chocolate melted into cream, milk, or water, offering a richer taste. This recipe blends both, but regardless of the name, it’s like sipping on liquid joy! 

Mug filled with a delicious hot chocolate topped with a dollop of whipped cream and delicate chocolate shavings.

What To Serve With Hot Chocolate:

5 from 5 votes

Hot Chocolate

This creamy, dreamy Hot Chocolate is so good that once you try this recipe and see how easy it is to make, you'll never go back to buying mixes or packets!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 cups of hot chocolate

Ingredients  

Base Hot Chocolate Recipe

  • 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (special Dark Hershey's) (Note 1)
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 more cup of milk)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • whipped cream
  • miniature or dehydrated marshmallows
  • chocolate shavings (using a vegetable peeler, peel a chocolate bar!)

Variation Ideas

  • Instead of vanilla extract, try orange extract for an orange hot chocolate or peppermint extract for a minty hot chocolate
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions 

  • In a saucepan or pot, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
    The process of adding ingredients for the homemade hot chocolate to a pot and whisking until a smooth mixture is achieved.
  • Stir in the milk and cream and whisk until smooth. Bring the hot chocolate to your desired serving temperature.
    Hot chocolate in a pan, warming up, being whisked, and ready for serving.
  • 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!

Recipe Notes

Cocoa powder: I don't recommend using plain cocoa powder (way less flavor!). Hersheyโ€™sยฎ โ€œSpecial Darkโ€ cocoa powderย is a Dutch-process cocoa powder that is readily found at most grocery stores. This is my favorite cocoa powder.
Nutrition information does not include whipped cream or toppings.

Nutrition

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.

Creamy, dreamy hot chocolate -- you'll never go back to buying mixes or packets after trying this recipe and seeing how simple it is to make! via chelseasmessyapron.com #homemade #hot #chocolate #cocoa #hotcocoa #whipped #cream #kidfriendly #easy #quick #christmas #recipe #holiday #holidays

Meet Chelsea


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

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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7 Comments

  1. Chrissy says:

    5 stars
    What does curdle mean?? And yes it looks GREAT!!!!!

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Curdling happens when ingredients separate because of overheating or because an acidic ingredient has been added

  2. Joefine says:

    5 stars
    My goodness, nothing so simple and so satisfying as this hot-chocolate. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      You’re welcome! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Sophie Anderson says:

    5 stars
    Look so attractive but I highly recommend you to stir more 1 egg yolk then return to heat, stirring constantly and whisk to create foam ( Do not let this boil or the yolk will curdle). Make sure you will love it!!!

  4. Alia says:

    5 stars
    Mmmm your hot chocolate looks so decadent! I love the step-by-step photos too – they are super helpful! Great work! ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. chelseamessyapron says:

      Thank you Alia! ๐Ÿ™‚