The Best Rich & Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate
Make a decadent, velvety hot chocolate from scratch on the stovetop using real chocolate for a deep, comforting flavor superior to any packet mix.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat until steaming, but do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the warm milk mixture until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped chocolate to the saucepan. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This step creates the rich texture.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
Notes
- For a French drinking chocolate style, use 6 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) and reduce the added sugar slightly.
- If you prefer a slow cooker hot chocolate method, combine all ingredients except vanilla in a small slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, then stir in vanilla before serving.
- To make this a gourmet hot chocolate, add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper with the dry ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg