We’ve done the taste-testing and tinkering and we’ve discovered a hot chocolate recipe that tastes amazing and is so easy to make! Learn how to make this creamy hot chocolate in five easy steps.
Here are a few more wintry drinks we think you’ll love – Snickerdoodle Cookie Mocktails, Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider, Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, and Non-Alcoholic Holiday Punch.
If you’re a regular reader of this site, you may have noticed my LOVE for a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. It is hands-down my winter drink of choice, and I usually have more than my fair share during the Christmas season.
I’ve shared 10 Ways to Dress Up Your Instant Hot Cocoa Packets and my family’s favorite Frozen Hot Cocoa recipe. But today I want to go back to basics and show you my favorite Hot Chocolate recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and totally delicious! (You’re never going to want to use store-bought hot cocoa mix again!)
How To Make Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate
INGREDIENTS –
As written, this recipe makes 4 servings but it can easily be multiplied to make a double batch for your family and friends.
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- white sugar
- pinch of salt
- water
- milk
- creamer
- vanilla extract
RECIPE NOTES –
- I always use 2% milk becuase it’s what we keep in our fridge, but you can use whatever you have on hand! Coconut milk or cashew milk works, too, but you might have to adjust the flavors mix-ins and toppings to adjust to the sweeter flavor.
- I prefer Hazelnut or French Vanilla creamer, but use whatever flavors you love
- The vanilla extract is optional, but I love the sweetness it adds!
FAVORITE FLAVOR VARIATIONS + TOPPINGS –
- mini marshmallows
- small pinch or teaspoon ground cinnamon
- peppermint extract
- caramel or chocolate fudge sauce
- whipped cream
- chocolate shavings
- crushed peppermint candies
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small bowl, combine the cocoa, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add cocoa mixture, then simmer, stirring constantly for about a minute or until the cocoa mixture is well blended. Keep a close eye on this- do not let this scorch or burn to the bottom or you will have to start all over!
Stir in milk and heat until hot. Remove from heat.
Add a splash of vanilla extract if you like your hot cocoa extra sweet. (I prefer it, but this is optional.)
Pour into 4 mugs. Add the desired amount of creamer to each mug and stir to mix and cool the cocoa to drinking temperature.
Add your favorite cocoa toppings and flavorings – mini marshmallows, caramel or fudge sauce, ground cinnamon, whipped cream, etc.
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –
Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder , unsweetened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup coffee creamer, from I prefer Hazelnut or French Vanilla
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the cocoa, sugar, and pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Bring water to a boil, add cocoa mixture, then stir constantly for about a minute or until the cocoa mixture is well blended. Keep a close eye on this- do not let this scorch or burn to the bottom or you will have to start all over!
- Stir in milk and heat until hot. Remove from heat. Add vanilla if you like your hot cocoa extra sweet. (I prefer it, but this is optional.)
- Pour into 4 mugs.
- Add desired amount of creamer to each mug and stir to mix and cool the cocoa to drinking temperature. Add favorite cocoa toppings – whipped cream, mini marshmallows, caramal sauce, etc. and ENJOY!
Nutrition
Other Notes
ENJOY!
Truly one of the best hot chocolate recipes EVER!! So tasty!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing hot chocolate recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
The cocoa is incredible! So rich and delicious! Wonderful for this time of year. My boys LOVE having a nice cup of cocoa when they come in from playing in the snow. Perfect recipe!