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There’s nothing quite like a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate to comfort you on a chilly day. This recipe is rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it the perfect treat for both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
Growing up, homemade hot chocolate was a staple in our household during the winter months. My mom would always make it from scratch, and the smell of melting chocolate and warm milk would fill the house, creating a cozy atmosphere that I still cherish today. Now, I love making this recipe for my own family, and it never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.
Ready to make your own delicious homemade hot chocolate? Let’s get started!
What to Expect
- Time: 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This recipe comes together quickly, so having everything prepped will make the process even smoother. Also, feel free to customize the sweetness and chocolate intensity to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk, any kind | 3 cups |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips, Enjoy Life recommended | 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 3 Tablespoons |
| Pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup | 2 Tablespoons |
| Coarse sea salt | Pinch |
| Vanilla | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Guide
- In a saucepan, combine 3 cups of milk, 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 3 Tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 Tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and a pinch of coarse sea salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir or whisk occasionally until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the drink is smooth and hot.
- Once the mixture is hot and well-combined, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and stir to combine.
- Ladle the homemade hot chocolate into mugs and serve with marshmallows or whipped topping.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For an extra creamy texture, you can use a milk frother or blend the hot chocolate for a few seconds before serving. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again. And if you’re a fan of double chocolate treats, you might also love these Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Skip the powdered packets and make this rich, creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate in just minutes. Made with a blend of real cocoa powder and chocolate chips, it has a deep chocolate flavor that is velvety smooth. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by using your favorite plant-based milk.
Ingredients
4 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess, or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (ensure gluten-free certified)
¼ cup granulated sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (check labels to ensure gluten-free)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
— Optional Toppings —
Whipped cream or coconut whip
Marshmallows (ensure gluten-free)
Chocolate shavings
Instructions
1. Create Paste: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and about ½ cup of the milk. Whisk until the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Simmer: Pour in the remaining milk and the chocolate chips. Increase heat to medium. Whisk often until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is hot and steaming. *Do not let it come to a rolling boil.*
3. Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Serve: Pour immediately into mugs. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Extra Creamy: For a thicker, more luxurious texture, substitute ½ cup of the milk with heavy cream or full-fat canned coconut milk.
Mexican Twist: Add a cinnamon stick and a pinch of cayenne pepper during the simmering step for a spicy kick.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to recombine.
Sugar Substitute: You can use honey, agave, or stevia instead of sugar, but taste as you go to get the sweetness right.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 24
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different type of milk?
- Absolutely! This recipe works well with any kind of milk, including dairy-free options like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the homemade hot chocolate ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Certainly! You can substitute the maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or even granulated sugar if you prefer.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—a delicious and comforting recipe for homemade hot chocolate that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s day or serving it up for a cozy movie night, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.