Description
A rich and creamy stovetop hot chocolate made with cocoa powder, brown sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, finished with vanilla and a pinch of sea salt. This comforting and easy-to-make drink is perfect for warming up on chilly days and can be customized with dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Generous pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine and whisk ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Whisk well to blend the cocoa and sugar smoothly into the milk.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk frequently as the mixture warms until it is steaming and tiny bubbles form around the edges—avoid bringing it to a boil to prevent scorching.
- Add chocolate chips: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth.
- Finish with vanilla and salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Pour into mugs and serve immediately. Optionally top with whipped cream or marshmallows for an indulgent touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and vegan chocolate chips.
- To make it sweeter, swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate and/or add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- If the hot chocolate is too rich for children, dilute with a bit of water to taste.
- Single serving proportions: 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips, drop of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
