Description
This homemade hot chocolate recipe is a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweetened drink made with whole milk, cocoa powder, and melted bittersweet chocolate. Enhanced with pure vanilla extract, it’s an easy and comforting treat served best with homemade whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk chocolate, etc.)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Toppings
- Homemade Whipped Cream for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whole milk, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder to a medium saucepan. This forms the base of your hot chocolate and ensures the cocoa is evenly dissolved.
- Heat Mixture: Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Heat just until the mixture begins to bubble gently, but avoid bringing it to a full boil to prevent scorching.
- Add Chocolate and Vanilla: Remove from direct heat and add the bittersweet chocolate along with pure vanilla extract. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate evenly into 4 small mugs. Top each serving with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream for extra richness and indulgence.
Notes
- 6 oz of chocolate is equivalent to approximately 1 cup when chopped.
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute the whole milk with any milk you prefer, including dairy-free options like full-fat coconut milk. Using milk with higher fat content results in a creamier drink.
- Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder for best results; for a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with white sugar, organic cane sugar, or coconut sugar depending on preference.
- Choose semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate to balance sweetness; milk or white chocolate will produce a sweeter drink.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based milk alternatives.
- You can add other extracts such as peppermint for flavor variations alongside vanilla extract.
- Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 8 oz)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
