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Annmarie’s Hot Chocolate

By Brenda Score ()
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This fool-proof recipe for Annmarie’s Hot Chocolate makes the creamiest and most decadent hot chocolate ever! This satisfying drink will keep you warm all winter.

A Hot Chocolate Toppings Tray with Two Cups of Hot Cocoa

The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate

There have only been a few times in my life where I have ordered hot chocolate at a restaurant, and after only one sip, knew that it was special. That it was more than a couple scoops of canned cocoa mix added to milk.  Or worse, added to water. The horror!

And over the years I’ve tried to recreate that rare and luscious hot chocolate drink at home. But I’ve struggled to concoct one that is velvety smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of chocolate, and not overly sweet.  One that I would forever call my go-to hot chocolate recipe.

Well, I struggle no more.

Thanks to my friend, Annmarie, I now have at my fingertips the absolute best hot chocolate recipe I’ve ever made.  It’s everything I have craved, and more.

I was surprised at the amount (lack!) of chocolate in the recipe, and was tempted to double the quantity the first time I made it.  But I stayed true to the 2/3 cup of chocolate chips.  And I’ve never made it any other way since.  It has wonderful chocolate flavor.

And the secret to the creaminess?  There is whipped cream stirred right into the hot chocolate mixture.  And if you know me at all, you know how much I like my fresh whipped cream.  Just a little somethin’ I picked up from Dad, who has been known to correct a person calling Cool Whip “whipped cream”.

Have you ever held a Hot Chocolate Party?!  Since I’ve had this recipe, for the past two winters now, our oldest daughter has invited over a few girlfriends for some play time and hot chocolate.  And we serve it up with all the fixin’s.  The girls love it.  Especially when I walk out of the room, leaving them with a whole can of Reddi-Wip!

I like to host these parties during the Christmas season, or around Valentine’s Day, when there’s extra incentive for winter festivity.  But this kind of gathering could warm up any cold and dreary day.  Guaranteed!

Homemade hot chocolate in glass mug with marshmallows

Hot Chocolate

Yield: 4 servings
prep time: 5 minutes
cook time: 5 minutes
total time: 10 minutes
This recipe for homemade hot chocolate makes the creamiest and most decadent hot cocoa ever! It's easy to make and impossible to resist.
5 Stars (1 Review)
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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces (about ⅔ cup) good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use Guittard brand)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
  • 1⅓ cups boiling water
  • 3 cups scalded milk I use whole milk or 2%. To scald milk, see Notes.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Optional Toppings and Mix-Ins

  • whipped cream
  • peppermint bits, candies, or candy canes
  • marshmallows
  • creme de menthe
  • peppermint schnapps

Instructions

  • In a medium pan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, stirring constantly so they do not scorch.
  • Once chocolate chips are melted, stir in sugar and salt. Then slowly add the boiling water, mixing well, followed by the scalded milk. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. Blend in vanilla and whipped cream, stirring to fully combine. Do not boil. 
  • Serve hot, with any of your favorite additions and toppings. Stir the hot chocolate occasionally as it sits.

Notes

To scald milk: Place a medium-sized heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add cold milk to pan, stirring frequently. The milk is scalded when small bubbles form around the outside of the pan, or the temperature reaches 180°F with a kitchen thermometer. Take care to not let the milk boil.
Recipe shared by friend Annmarie Gibbs, originally from Mary Nesvig. 

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 Calories: 632kcal Carbohydrates: 65g Protein: 9g Fat: 34g Saturated Fat: 21g Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 83mg Sodium: 271mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 53g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment below. And share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #afarmgirlsdabbles or tag @farmgirlsdabble!
© Brenda | A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
Cuisine: American
Course: Drinks
A Fancy Glass Full of Annmarie's Hot Chocolate

I’m linking up with: 

Rachel at A Southern Fairytale for “Mouthwatering Mondays”.  Please check it out right here!
Robyn at Add a Pinch for “Mingle Monday”, right here!

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15 comments on “Annmarie’s Hot Chocolate”

  2. Jenn

    I’ve never made homemade hot chocolate from scratch, but I think I will have to make this one the first I try and sounds like the only one I will ever need. I’m with your dad – Cool Whip is definitely not whipped cream!

    Reply
  4. Kim

    This is a fabulous idea! We are going to host a group of younger single friends from church and this will make a great part of our dinner together!!! Thx for sharing this.

    Reply
  6. Robyn | Add a Pinch

    Oh my! This looks delicious and is a wonderful idea for a party! I LOVE it! I could go for some hot chocolate right about now.

    Reply
  7. Paula

    What a great idea for a party and I’m sure your daughter loves playing hostess to her friends whenever this is served. This recipe may even entice my *I prefer salty over sweet* husband to try some!

    Reply

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