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Homemade Hot Chocolate

Featured in Refreshing Drinks and Smooth Blends.

This homemade hot chocolate transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort in a cup through the perfect blend of whole milk, premium chocolate chips, and rich cocoa powder. The combination creates incredible depth of chocolate flavor while staying silky smooth and creamy. What makes it special is how the chocolate chips melt into the warm milk while the cocoa powder adds that extra layer of rich chocolate intensity. Ready in just minutes on your stovetop, it's the perfect way to warm up on chilly days when you're craving something more special than powdered mix!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:09:59 GMT
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A cozy cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows, accompanied by a dish of more marshmallows and chocolate pieces. Pin it
A cozy cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows, accompanied by a dish of more marshmallows and chocolate pieces. | tasteofcook.com

Nothing beats sinking into a mug of homemade hot chocolate on a chilly evening. After years of testing I've perfected this simple stovetop recipe that takes just 15 minutes. It's pure comfort in liquid form rich with real chocolate and not too sweet.

Real Hot Chocolate Magic

Skip those powdered mixes. This hot chocolate tastes like melted chocolate bars in a cup. I make this whenever my kids have friends over and they always beg for seconds. The secret? Starting with good chocolate and taking your time to let it melt slowly.

Grab These From Your Kitchen

  • Milk: Two cups whole milk makes it extra creamy.
  • Chocolate: Quarter cup semi sweet chocolate chips the good ones matter.
  • Cocoa Powder: Two tablespoons for deep chocolate flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: One tablespoon balances everything perfectly.
  • Salt: Just a tiny pinch makes the chocolate pop.
  • Vanilla: Half teaspoon pure extract works wonders.

Making Your Cup

Get Everything Ready
Put milk chocolate chips cocoa powder brown sugar and salt in your favorite saucepan.
Let It Melt
Keep the heat low medium whisking now and then until everything melts about 10 minutes.
Final Touch
Take it off the heat stir in vanilla.
Into Your Mug
Pour and top with whatever makes you happy.

My Best Kitchen Tips

Whole milk makes it silky smooth but use what you have. Sometimes I add more sugar for my sweet tooth kids. Want it extra rich? Splash in some cream at the end.

Make It Your Own

Try adding peppermint during holidays or swirl in some caramel sauce. My kids love piling on marshmallows and whipped cream. Sometimes I add a dash of cinnamon for grown up flavor.

A mug of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows, surrounded by chocolate pieces and a bowl of whipped cream. Pin it
A mug of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows, surrounded by chocolate pieces and a bowl of whipped cream. | tasteofcook.com

Saving For Later

Pour extras into a mason jar keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it up slow on the stove or microwave just once to keep that smooth texture.

Pure Comfort

This hot chocolate feels like a warm hug. It's my go to recipe when friends drop by on cold days or when we need something cozy after sledding. Every sip takes you back to childhood winter memories.

What You Need

Nothing fancy here just grab a medium pot measuring cups and spoons and a whisk. I keep a mason jar handy for storing leftovers but any container works fine.

Perfect Pairings

We love dunking chocolate chip cookies or biscotti in our mugs. Sometimes I serve it with pound cake for dessert. My kids favorite is marshmallows and whipped cream piled high.

Keep An Eye Out

Watch that heat stay patient and keep stirring. Too hot and the milk gets funny. Good chocolate makes all the difference here no skimping.

Plan Ahead

I often make a big batch on Sunday for quick cups through the week. Just warm up what you need when you want it perfect for surprise visitors.

Everyone Loves This

Something about homemade hot chocolate brings people together. Maybe it's the rich smell or watching marshmallows slowly melt. It never fails to make everyone smile.

Fun Twists

Get creative with flavors. Cinnamon makes it cozy chili powder adds warmth. For grownup parties I sometimes add a splash of liqueur.

Good To Know

Use almond or oat milk if dairy isn't your thing. Play with the sugar level until it's just right for you. Simple ingredients make the best hot chocolate.

Memories In A Mug

Whether you're warming up after playing in snow or curling up with a book this hot chocolate makes everything better. It's simple enough for everyday but special enough for celebrations.

A cozy cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows, accompanied by chocolate pieces and cookies. Pin it
A cozy cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows, accompanied by chocolate pieces and cookies. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of milk works best?
Whole milk gives the richest result, but low-fat milk works well too. The recipe is flexible to your preferences.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store cooled hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat on stovetop or in microwave, but only once.
→ What chocolate should I use?
Semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips all work well. Choose based on your preferred sweetness level.
→ How can I adjust the richness?
Add more milk or cream to reduce richness. Adjust brown sugar to control sweetness level.
→ Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, prepare and keep warm in a crockpot for gatherings. Perfect for serving throughout the day.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy stovetop hot chocolate made with chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Ready in 15 minutes for the perfect winter warm-up.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Drinks & Smoothies

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Beverage

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Whole milk - 2 cups.
02 Semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup.
03 Unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons.
04 Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon.
05 Salt - 1 pinch.
06 Pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, brown sugar and salt in a saucepan over low-medium heat.

Step 02

Whisk occasionally until chocolate melts and mixture is warm and steamy but not boiling, about 10 minutes.

Step 03

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. Works with whole or low-fat milk.
  2. Can use dark or milk chocolate chips instead.
  3. Keeps in fridge up to one week.
  4. Can be made in crockpot for gatherings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Saucepan.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 136
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 5 g