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Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

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posted: 11/08/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This homemade hot chocolate recipe is going to be your best friend all winter long. Made with super simple ingredients, it delivers a rich chocolate flavor that everyone will fall in love with.

My kids absolutely adore hot chocolate. In fact, I have some children who can only be convinced to go outside in the winter to play in the snow if hot chocolate is on the line.

But the last time I grabbed some packets to make them hot chocolate, I took a sip and I was borderline horrified. This is the delicious treat that lures them outside in the icy cold of a Wisconsin winter? My kids need better taste.

This homemade hot chocolate recipe blows anything store-bought out of the water. It is simple to make but absolutely delicious and is bound to become a family favorite recipe.

overhead of cutting board with chocolate that has been chopped for homemade Hot Chocolate with a knife sitting beside

What Chocolate to Use

When choosing chocolate for homemade hot chocolate, I recommend using 70% dark chocolate for a perfect balance of rich flavor and sweetness. If you prefer a more intense, less sweet drink, go for a chocolate with a higher percentage of cacao. The higher the percentage, the richer and bolder the chocolate taste will be, with less natural sweetness.

On the other hand, if you’re leaning toward milk chocolate, you’ll want to reduce or even eliminate the added sugar in your recipe. Milk chocolate already contains a good amount of sweetness, so scaling back the sugar will prevent the drink from becoming overly sweet and will allow the chocolate’s creamy flavor to shine. Adjust the sweetness level to match your taste for the perfect cup of hot chocolate!

You can also make this recipe using chocolate chips. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or a combination would all work.

Three mugs of homemade Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce drizzle

How to Make Hot Chocolate

Here is a brief overview of how this homemade hot chocolate comes together. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe including all measurements.

  • Combine all ingredients. Add everything to a saucepan over low heat. Whisk continuously and allow the mixture to come to a low simmer.
  • Simmer and stir. Continue cooking until all of the ingredients are smooth.
  • Taste and adjust. If you would like it a little sweeter, stir in another tablespoon of granulated sugar, giving it plenty of time to dissolve in the hot chocolate.

Hot Chocolate in the Crockpot

I also have a homemade hot cocoa recipe for the crockpot! It is as simple as adding everything to your slow cooker and letting it sit for a few hours. This is perfect for making a big batch for Christmas morning or anytime you want to have a hot and ready cozy drink ready for serving.

Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

This Crockpot Hot Chocolate is going to knock your socks off. It’s the perfect combination of chocolate and cream and it comes together easily in the slow cooker.
Overhead photo of Crockpot Hot Chocolate in a festive mug with mini marshmallows
Mug of homemade Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce with candy cane

How to Serve

This homemade hot chocolate is delicious as is, but there are so many ways you can dress it up! Here are a few ideas to add to your mug of hot chocolate.

  • Add some toppings. Marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings all make delicious garnishes on a mug of hot cocoa.
  • Make it peppermint. Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla or add a candy cane to each mug and stir to dissolve it into the hot chocolate. I also love topping with whipped cream and peppermint Andes baking chips!
  • Caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel is perfect. A sprinkle of salt over the caramel for a salted caramel touch is also delicious.
  • Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon and chocolate go together so well! Offering your guests cinnamon sticks to stir in is easy and delicious.
  • Make it spiked. See my recommendations below for the best alcohol for hot chocolate.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Make this an adult beverage by adding some alcohol to your hot chocolate. Fortunately, many things pair well with it! A few good options are: Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, Crème de Cocoa, Peppermint Schnapps, Godiva liqueur, RumChata, Fireball, whiskey, or bourbon. Stir in the booze just prior to enjoying.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, until heated through.

mug of homemade Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce. Two mugs of Hot Chocolate sitting in background, marshmallows sitting beside

Other Cozy Drink Recipes

If you try this homemade hot chocolate recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it!

mug of homemade Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce. Two mugs of Hot Chocolate sitting in background, marshmallows sitting beside
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Hot Chocolate Recipe

Serves: 4 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 11 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 26 minutes
This homemade hot chocolate recipe is going to be your best friend all winter long. Made with super simple ingredients, it delivers a rich chocolate flavor that everyone will fall in love with.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients.
  • Whisk continuously and allow the mixture to come to a low simmer. Continue cooking until all of the ingredients are smooth.
  • Taste the hot chocolate. If you would like it a little sweeter, stir in another tablespoon of granulated sugar, giving it plenty of time to dissolve in the hot chocolate.
  • Serve and enjoy. Don't miss the notes in the post about serving.
Serving: 1serving Calories: 559kcal (28%) Carbohydrates: 54g (18%) Protein: 12g (24%) Fat: 32g (49%) Saturated Fat: 18g (113%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 9g Trans Fat: 0.02g Cholesterol: 31mg (10%) Sodium: 177mg (8%) Potassium: 777mg (22%) Fiber: 6g (25%) Sugar: 42g (47%) Vitamin A: 417IU (8%) Calcium: 342mg (34%) Iron: 7mg (39%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
mug of homemade Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce. Two mugs of Hot Chocolate sitting in background, marshmallows sitting beside

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Hot Chocolate Recipe

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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