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.
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!
Annmarie’s Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1-1/3 cups boiling water
- 3 cups milk scalded*
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup heavy cream whipped
Optional Toppings and Mix-Ins
- whipped cream
- peppermint bits or candies
- marshmallows
- creme de menthe
- peppermint schnapps
Instructions
- First, start heating your water, to get it to a boil. In a separate pan, scald* your milk.
- While the water and milk are heating up, melt the chocolate chips in another medium pan over low heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, stir in sugar and salt. Slowly add the boiling water, mixing well. Add the scalded milk. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves. Blend in vanilla and whipped cream, stirring to combine. Do NOT boil. Stir periodically as it sits.
- *Scalded milk is simply milk heated to 180°F. I truthfully don’t ever use a thermometer to measure the temperature. I just warm up the milk until it’s heated throughout and steamy. Be careful to not let it boil.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
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!
I made this last year and loved it. Have been dreaming about it since I had a problem with some seized chocolate. Now that I have a new iPad, I can get back to your site. Yeah! Yummy hot chocolate for us this week.
I think the iPads were a very hot gift this year! So happy to have you back, hot chocolate and all! :)
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 whipping cream!
Hot Chocolate is good but I would try out different drinks too like Blueberry Mango Smoothies is my favorite drink. I think you could try it out too, http://www.fourgreensteps.com/community/recipes/beverages/blueberry-mango-smoothies
Uh oh, scald the milk! I always forget about my milk and it winds up burnt. The picture of the hot cocoa looks totally tempting though!
Hi Vicki! I talk about scalding the milk at the end of the recipe. I really don’t measure the temperature when I’m heating the milk. I just get it nice and warm and steamy. This recipe is really worth the effort – please give it a try!
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.
Sounds like a great idea, Kim. So nice to hear from you!
Lovely…and delicious. Nice to share with the love ones! :)
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Thanks Amy!
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.
Thanks Robyn – it really does make for a fun little gathering.
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!
Hi Paula – I say, entice away! You could serve your date night cookies with it. :)
SUGAR RUSH!!!!
Pull up a mug!!
What a yummy recipe! We love Hot Chocolate here!
Thanks for sharing!
~Liz
You’re welcome, Liz – so wonderful to hear from you!