Hot Chocolate

This fool-proof recipe for homemade Hot Chocolate makes the creamiest and most decadent hot chocolate ever! This satisfying drink will keep you warm all winter.

Put down that hot cocoa packet! This homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is infinitely better, with a luscious, velvety texture, just the right amount of chocolate, and not overly sweet. It’s a cafe-style cup of pure decadence!

What You’ll Need

This ingredient list is short and sweet! Scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient amounts.

• Chocolate chips – I use Guittard brand. Quality matters a lot with such a short ingredient list, so buy a chocolate that tastes good on its own. 
• Sugar – Granulated sugar, also known as your everyday white sugar, provides the sweetness.
• Salt – The secret ingredient that makes this hot chocolate extra tasty. Salt is a flavor enhancer in recipes — even sweet ones like hot chocolate! 
• Water – Don’t worry, we’re not making hot chocolate with water alone. I would never! Water simply helps cut some of the richness.
• Milk – I use whole milk, but 2% is also fine if that’s what you have on hand. 
• Vanilla extract – Like salt, vanilla elevates the overall flavor in a recipe, which is why it’s often used even when the dominant flavor is chocolate. Use pure vanilla extract for the very best flavor (not imitation vanilla).
• Heavy cream – And the secret to the creaminess? Whipped cream stirred right into the hot chocolate mixture. It is sublime!

How to Make Hot Chocolate

Scroll to the recipe card for printable instructions.

• Whip the cream. Add the heavy cream to a mixing bowl and whip until just barely stiff. Set aside.
• Scald the milk. Add the cold milk to a medium heavy-bottomed pan set over medium heat. Stir frequently until the temperature of the milk reaches 180ºF, or when small bubbles form along the edges of the pan.

• Melt the chocolate. Add the chocolate chips to a pan over low heat. Stir them constantly as they melt to keep them from scorching.
• Add the remaining ingredients. Stir the sugar and salt into the melted chocolate, then slowly stream in the boiling water and scalded milk while stirring. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then stir in the vanilla and whipped cream. The mixture should be lightly creamy and frothy.

Tips & Variations

This hot chocolate recipe is very simple, but these additional tips will help you make sure it turns out perfect.

• Don’t add more chocolate chips. Once you start putting the recipe together, you may think, “That doesn’t seem like enough chocolate” But trust me — it really is. And I’m a BIG chocolate fan!
• Melt the chocolate chips over the lowest heat. Since the chocolate chips are melted directly in the pan, as opposed to using a double boiler, it’s important to melt the chocolate slowly and carefully. If the chocolate gets too hot and scorches, it’s ruined.
• Avoid letting the mixture come to a boil. It’s certainly not the end of the world if it does boil a bit, but due to the cream content, the mixture can scorch to the bottom of the pan if it gets too hot.
• Use different chocolate. If you like a sweeter hot chocolate, use milk chocolate chips instead.
• Make it richer. If you like extra rich hot chocolate, scald 4⅓ cups whole milk and omit the boiling water.

My Favorite Hot Chocolate Toppings and Mix-Ins

The best thing about hot chocolate is making it your own! 

• Whipped cream. When whipping the cream for the hot chocolate, make a little extra for topping the mugs too.
• Peppermint bits, candies, or candy canes. Sprinkle crushed peppermints over the top or hook small candy canes onto the side of the mug, and starlight mints can be dropped into the hot cocoa to infuse it with flavor.
• Marshmallows. Especially these Homemade Marshmallows! Or my pretty Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows are so fun during the holidays, plus Marshmallow Hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day. But store-bought marshmallows also work just fine.
• Creme de menthe or peppermint schnapps. Or another liqueur that pairs well with chocolate.
• Caramel sauce. A drizzle of caramel on top of the whipped cream adds some more decadence.
• Cinnamon. If you enjoy the flavor of Mexican hot chocolate, a little cinnamon sprinkled on top is lovely. You could also stir in some Cinnamon Simple Syrup!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days.
• To reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and being careful not to boil. The microwave also works, but just heat in shorter intervals and keep checking it as it warms.

More Cozy Drink Recipes

• Vanilla Steamer
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Hot Buttered Rum Coffee
• Homemade Eggnog
• Dirty Chai Latte