The Best Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe
Make rich and creamy homemade hot cocoa from scratch on your stovetop. This easy recipe delivers a decadent chocolate drink that tastes much better than store-bought mixes.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (optional, for extra richness)
- Marshmallows or whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Combine the milk, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the cocoa powder and sugars are fully dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture, stirring often, until it is hot and steaming, but do not let it boil.
- If using, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the finely chopped chocolate until it melts completely and the drink is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the rich and creamy cocoa into mugs. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream before serving your cozy evening beverage.
Notes
- For a thicker, more decadent hot chocolate drink, use a combination of whole milk and half-and-half.
- To make a homemade hot cocoa mix for later use, whisk together 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Store in an airtight container. Use 3 tablespoons of mix per 1 cup of hot milk.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg