The Best Thick and Creamy Homemade Stovetop Hot Chocolate
Make rich, velvety hot chocolate on your stovetop using real chocolate. This recipe creates a luxurious, comforting drink that is simple to prepare and far superior to any mix.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups Whole Milk
- 4 ounces Semi-sweet or Dark Chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Optional: Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Combine the whole milk, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Do not let it boil.
- Continue to cook, whisking often, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the hot chocolate thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This step is key for a thick texture.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the rich hot chocolate into mugs immediately.
- Top each serving with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
Notes
- For an extra luxurious texture, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- If you prefer a thinner drink, reduce the amount of chopped chocolate by one ounce.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper during heating for a subtle flavor variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg