Homemade Hot Chocolate from Scratch

Real hot chocolate made on the stove is richer and more satisfying than any instant mix, and it takes only about ten minutes. This recipe uses both unsweetened cocoa powder and a little chopped dark chocolate, whisked into hot milk with a modest amount of sugar, a pinch of salt and vanilla. The result is smooth, deeply chocolaty and not overly sweet.

It is easy to scale up for a crowd or adapt for dairy-free guests, and there are endless ways to flavor it, from cinnamon and orange to peppermint.

Cocoa, chocolate or both

Cocoa powder gives a strong chocolate flavor with very little fat, while melted chocolate adds richness and body. Using both gives you the best of each: a drink that tastes intensely of chocolate and feels velvety in the mouth. Dutch-process cocoa has been treated to reduce acidity, so it is darker and mellower; natural cocoa is lighter in color and fruitier. Either works here.

Hot chocolate for a crowd

Multiply the recipe by the number of servings and make it in a large pot, whisking well. Keep it warm in a slow cooker on low for up to two hours, stirring now and then so a skin does not form. Set out toppings such as whipped cream, cinnamon, crushed peppermint candies and mini marshmallows so guests can customize their mugs.

Flavor ideas

For Mexican-style hot chocolate, add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne. For orange hot chocolate, warm a strip of orange peel in the milk and remove it before serving. A drop of peppermint extract, a spoonful of peanut butter or a teaspoon of instant espresso powder are other good variations.

Homemade Hot Chocolate from Scratch

Real hot chocolate made on the stove is richer and more satisfying than any instant mix, and it takes only about ten minutes. This recipe uses both unsweetened cocoa powder and a little chopped dark chocolate, whisked into hot milk with a modest amount of sugar, a pinch of salt and vanilla. The result is smooth, deeply chocolaty and not overly sweet.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups whole milk or 2% or unsweetened oat milk
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-process
• 2 tbsp sugar or to taste
• 1 oz dark chocolate (60–70%) finely chopped
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• whipped cream or marshmallows optional, for serving

Method

 

1. In a small saucepan, whisk the cocoa powder, sugar and salt with about 1/4 cup of the milk to form a smooth paste.
2. Set the pan over medium-low heat and gradually whisk in the rest of the milk.
3. Heat, whisking frequently, until the milk is steaming and small bubbles form around the edge, about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
4. Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let stand 30 seconds, then whisk until melted and smooth.
5. Stir in the vanilla, taste and add a little more sugar if you like.
6. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.

Notes

• Making a paste with the cocoa first prevents lumps.
• Keep the heat moderate; scorched milk gives hot chocolate a burnt taste.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered jar for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, whisking, as the chocolate may settle.

Substitutions

• Use oat milk or another plant milk and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.
• Replace the sugar with maple syrup.
• Use semisweet chocolate and reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon.
• Make a homemade dry mix by combining cocoa, sugar and salt in a jar for quick mugs.

Common questions

Why is my hot chocolate grainy?

The cocoa may not have dissolved fully, or the milk boiled. Make a smooth paste first and keep the heat gentle.

Can I use water instead of milk?

You can, but it will be much thinner. A mix of half milk and half water is a good compromise.

How do I make it thicker?

Add another ounce of chocolate, or whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold milk and simmer for a minute.

This recipe is for general cooking information only and is not medical or nutrition advice. See our Disclaimer and Image Credits.