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.
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.
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
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.
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!
Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (908 grams or 946.4 ml)
- 8 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped, read in the post about what type of chocolate to use (226.8 grams)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (66 grams)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
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.
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