This White Hot Chocolate Recipe is rich, creamy, and full of sweet vanilla flavor. It’s the ultimate cozy drink for chilly nights and easily made on the stovetop or in a crockpot.
author’s note
If You Love Starbucks White Hot Chocolate, You Need This!
The first time I tried the White Hot Chocolate at Starbucks, I fell in love. Regular Hot Chocolate and Mexican Hot Chocolate are usually my go-to’s, but this one stuck with me. After spending way too much money at Starbucks, I knew I had to make my own at home. So I started testing and tweaking until I finally nailed my own White Hot Chocolate recipe!
This version takes it to the next level with rich, creamy sweetness. I love serving it with a big swirl of whipped cream on top and a pirouette cookie for dunking. It’s such a fun little treat and honestly… I think it tastes even better than the Starbucks one!
White Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Half-and-half | Whole milk will also work for a lighter option. |
| White chocolate chips | Go for high-quality; a chopped white chocolate bar works too. |
| Fine sea salt | A tiny pinch is enough and makes a big difference. |
| Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract | Paste adds deeper flavor, but extract works great too. |
Topping Ideas
- Whipped cream: Makes it creamier. I love homemade, but store-bought works too!
- Marshmallows: Mini or dehydrated for a classic touch.
- Pirouette cookies: Ideal for dunking!
- Peppermint: Gives a holiday feel, or try cinnamon for a fun flavor twist.
How To Make White Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Combine: In a saucepan or crockpot, mix half-and-half, chocolate, salt, and vanilla.
- Heat gently: On the stovetop, whisk over medium-low heat until smooth; in the slow cooker, cook on low for three hours, stirring once.
- Serve: Pour into mugs, top with desired toppings and enjoy!
Quick Tip
Add this as a unique addition to your Hot Chocolate Bar!
Storage
Can You Reheat Leftovers?
Sure! Let this White Hot Chocolate Recipe cool, then pour it into a sealed container. It keeps in the fridge for up to five days or can be frozen for three months.
To reheat, warm it gently on low in a pan, microwave, or slow cooker. Don’t let it boil. Stir well before serving.
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White Hot Chocolate
Video
Equipment
- Large pot or 4-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4 cups half-and-half see note 1
- 11 to 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- 2 tespoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- Toppings as desired see note 2
Instructions
- Stovetop: Add all ingredients to a medium pot. Whisk the mixture continuously over medium-low heat until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let it boil. Once smooth, remove from heat and serve immediately. Add optional toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and a pirouette cookie if desired.
- Crockpot: In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, add all ingredients, starting with the chocolate chips. Do not include the toppings at this stage. Cook the mixture on low (never high) for three hours. Briskly whisk the mixture at least once halfway through. After three hours, whisk the mixture until well combined. Serve warm and garnish with your choice of optional toppings, such as whipped cream, marshmallows, and a pirouette cookie.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serve White Hot Chocolate Recipe With:
- Savory snacks: Salted pretzel bites, Christmas cheeseball, or a small snack board.
- Sweet pastries: Croissants, danishes, or sweet breads like banana bread.
- Cookies or biscotti: Chocolate chip cookies, gingersnap cookies, or almond biscotti.
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Dessert bars: Lemon bars or brownies.
- Nuts or trail mix: Mixed nuts or homemade trail mix.
