This homemade hot chocolate recipe is luxuriously rich and creamy, more like a European-style sipping chocolate. Thick, velvety, and decadent, it’s the ultimate cozy treat for the colder months! This truly is the best hot chocolate, and it’s very easy to make!
There’s something magical about sipping a warm, rich cup of cocoa during the holidays. One of my favorite ways to elevate this tradition is by setting up a charming hot chocolate bar or a decadent hot chocolate charcuterie platter. It’s a simple way to create special memories with family, whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home.
This hot chocolate recipe is anything but ordinary. Made with organic ingredients for the best flavor, it’s thick, creamy, and reminiscent of European drinking chocolate. Its rich texture and decadent taste are perfect for serving in smaller portions, like 4-ounce cups, to sip and savor.
Whenever I make this, people RAVE that it’s the best hot chocolate they’ve ever had. It thickens as it sits and truly tops any store-bought cocoa mix. Once you try it, this will become your go-to recipe for warming up during the cooler months!
A Charming Hot Cocoa Fact
Did you know hot chocolate has a rich history dating back over 400 years? Originally enjoyed in Central and South America as a bitter, unsweetened drink, it was later sweetened and popularized in Europe, becoming the creamy treat we love today.
Ingredients For A Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate
Organic Milk – Use whole or 2% milk for this recipe. Both give the creamiest texture. You can also use 2% milk or a milk alternative like soy milk or almond milk,
Chocolate Chips – This hot cocoa is sweetened with real chocolate chips. It’s a combination of semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate chips. You can also use a chopped chocolate bar to make this as well. However, that adds an extra step to the recipe. You can also use dark chocolate for a rich hot chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Add a splash of vanilla to enhance the flavors in the recipe and add subtle vanilla flavors too.
Honey – The honey gives it a touch of sweetness but doesn’t overpower the deep chocolate flavor. You can also use maple syrup too.
Sea Salt – A little salt also enhances the flavors in the hot chocolate.
Nutmeg – This spice adds so much delicious flavor to the drink! It’s optional but highly recommended.
Making Hot Chocolate From Scratch
It’s simple to make hot chocolate from scratch. We share the full recipe below but in general, you’ll need a few ingredients (chocolate chips, milk, vanilla extract, honey, and salt) as well as a medium saucepan, and a whisk.
- Heat milk, honey, and salt in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point.
- Whisk constantly while the milk is heating to avoid the milk from burning.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Let them sit for 30 seconds in the milk to soften. Then whisk until all of the chocolate is melted.
- Add in the vanilla and fresh nutmeg and whisk.
- Serve in mugs and top with whipped cream
Homemade Hot Chocolate Variations
This recipe is absolutely perfect to use as a base, then simply add in your own flavor options to switch it up. Here are a few of our favorite easy ideas:
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
We have the best peppermint hot chocolate recipe that is similar to this creamy cocoa! It’s made by adding peppermint extract to the chocolate.
Caramel Hot Chocolate
Substitute the honey in the recipe for 2 tablespoons of caramel. Also, line the inside of the mug with caramel and drizzle it over whipped cream.
Extra Creamy Hot Chocolate
For a very thick and rich hot chocolate substitute 1 cup of milk for heavy cream.
Espresso Hot Chocolate
Add 1 tablespoon of espresso to the recipe and whisk with the chocolate chips. This will also bring out even more chocolate flavor and add a hint of espresso to the drink.
Naturally Sweetened Hot Chocolate
If you want to limit the sugar you can make healthy hot chocolate by using Lily’s Baking Chips which are sweetened with Stevia. Using honey, as we do in this recipe, is also a way to naturally sweeten hot chocolate.
Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
To make this, made sure you use dairy-free chocolate as well as a good non-dairy milk alternative like oat milk or almond milk.
Hot Chocolate Toppings
We love adding toppings to our hot cocoa! Here are the best toppings you can add to make an even sweeter and more delicious hot chocolate:
- Mini Marshmallows
- Sprinkles
- Whipped Cream
- Cocoa Powder or Chocolate Sauce
- Fresh Spices like nutmeg or cinnamon
How to Store Leftover Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated the next day. We only recommend that you reheat hot chocolate one time and store it for just two days for the freshest flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk work well and still create a creamy texture.While many use the term interchangeably, the difference can be stark! The big difference is hot cocoa is often sweet and light, while hot chocolate can be richer and thicker.
Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well.
Absolutely! Prepare the hot chocolate in advance and keep it warm in a slow cooker. Guests can ladle their own servings.
If you prefer a lighter consistency, add more milk, don’t boil or cook too long (it will thicken more as it cooks), and use a little less chocolate. Then, stir and taste until it reaches your desired texture.
When to Serve Homemade Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a cozy drink that is perfect for the winter season or any cold day. Here are some of our favorite occasions to serve this homemade hot chocolate recipe:
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Almond Joy Coffee Recipe
- Candy Cane Eggnog Punch
- Hot Chocolate on a Stick
- Creamy Lemonade Recipe
- Easy Tiramisu Coffee Dessert
- Gingerbread Cold Brew Latté
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! There’s nothing better than sipping on a deliciously rich hot cocoa—it’s truly the best. Let me know if you give it a try!
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Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk, whole or 2%
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp nutmeg, Freshly grated is the best
Instructions
- Heat milk, honey, and salt in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point.
- Whisk constantly while the milk is heating to avoid the milk from burning.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Let them sit for 30 seconds in the milk to soften. Then whisk until all of the chocolate is melted.
- Add in the vanilla and fresh nutmeg and whisk.
- Serve in mugs and top with whipped cream.
