This hot chocolate recipe couldn’t be easier to make! Whip it together in just 5 minutes for rich, creamy hot chocolate that’s the best you’ve ever had.
When I was a kiddo, hot chocolate was the “thawing out” treat waiting for me after a long snow day outside. Whether you’re 5 or 55, a cup of hot chocolate fills the soul with warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of chocolatey goodness!
And while Swiss Miss does the trick once in a while, this hot chocolate recipe is 1000% better and still only takes 5 minutes to make. It’s like going to your favorite café and ordering that fancy hot chocolate, but now you can make it yourself!
Richly chocolatey, just sweet enough, and oh-so creamy, you’ll crave this sipper in the wintertime and every other season too!
Speaking of creamy chocolate treats, don’t miss my Pots de Crème and fabulous Chocolate Truffles (try to have just one!).
Why This Hot Chocolate Recipe Is the Best
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Thick and creamy (just like your favorite café’s)
- 5-minute recipe
Ingredients
- Milk of choice – you can use whatever type of milk you’d like! Whole milk will yield the creamiest result, but 2% and nonfat milk also work. You can use non-dairy milk if preferred.
- Semisweet chocolate chips – for just the right chocolatey taste and velvety texture, use good-quality semisweet chocolate chips. You can also break up a semi-sweet chocolate bar into chunks!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – cocoa powder adds richness and deep chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar – a dash of sugar sweetens things up just enough. If you like your hot chocolate more on the bittersweet side, skip the sugar. If you like things more on the milk chocolate side, you can add a dash extra sugar than this recipe calls for!
- Salt – a little salt deepens flavor.
- Vanilla extract (optional but recommended) – vanilla seriously makes everything better, enhancing all of that chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
Making homemade hot chocolate that’s way better than the storebought kind (or the expensive café kind) is super easy. Here are the outlined steps! For full details, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Pour milk into a large microwave-safe mug. Heat for 60-90 seconds until hot.
Step 2: Add the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix.
Step 3: Add the chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until melted.
Step 4: Reheat again for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add toppings, and enjoy!
Flavor Variations and Topping Ideas
- Milk options: use half-and-half, whole, 2%, skim, or non-dairy milk!
- Sugar options: use less or more sugar depending on how sweet you like your hot chocolate, or even use a dash of maple syrup or honey instead of the sugar.
- Flavoring additions: instead of vanilla extract, try peppermint or almond extract, a dash of cinnamon for Mexican hot chocolate, or a splash of espresso or even liqueur like Kahlúa or Bailey’s.
- Topping suggestions: don’t forget your Homemade Whipped Cream or mini marshmallows, a drizzle of caramel, crushed Candied Pecans, shaved chocolate, or a dash of cinnamon on top!
My Pro Tip
Pro Tips for Making the Best Hot Chocolate
Use a big mug for stirring room and toppings!
Feel free to use dairy-free milk if you’d like.
Adjust sweetness, adding no sugar or a teaspoon more than the recipe calls for based on your sweet tooth.
Homemade hot chocolate is best served right away since the chocolate can start to resolidify when cooled and may need to be rewarmed.
Have a milk frother? Froth the top of your hot chocolate for a foamy finish channeling Espresso Martini vibes!
FAQS
Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually different! Hot chocolate is made by melting chocolate usually into milk, which creates a richly chocolatey and creamy drink. Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water, which makes for a lighter, sweeter drink with a thinner consistency.
Yes, you can use dairy free milk and dairy free chocolate chips!
I don’t recommend using water. Chocolate melts really well into milk and creates that signature creamy texture that makes hot chocolate, hot chocolate!
I don’t recommend making it ahead. The chocolate can start to resolidify when cooled. Since this recipe takes only 5 minutes, it’s not too hard to make it right when the craving calls!
While I don’t recommend making hot chocolate ahead, store any leftovers in the fridge, covered, once cooled completely. Reheat in the microwave in increments of 30 seconds, stirring every increment, until hot.
There’s almost nothing better than hot chocolate with No Bake Cookies, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, or Soft Sugar Cookies on the side. Or serve in the morning alongside Banana Bread or a fresh fruit bowl with strawberries and raspberries!
More Chocolatey Recipes You’ll Love!
If you’ve tried this Hot Chocolate Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave-safe mug
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice, like whole, 2% or nonfat
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional but recommended
- Toppings of choice, like whipped cream or marshmallows
Instructions
- Pour milk into a large, microwave-safe mug. Heat the milk for 60-90 seconds until hot but not bubbling.
- Add the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix until incorporated.
- Add the chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until melted, making sure to scrape off the chocolate that sinks to the bottom!
- Reheat again in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy right away!
Video
Notes
- Make sure to choose a big enough mug to stir and add toppings!
- You can use dairy-free milk if desired.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking. This hot chocolate is semisweet! Like it sweeter? Add 2 teaspoons of sugar. Like it bittersweet? Eliminate the sugar.
- Homemade hot chocolate is best served right away! As it cools, the chocolate can start to resolidify and may need to be rewarmed in the microwave.
- Have a milk frother? Froth the top of the hot chocolate for a foamy, extra creamy finish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The best hot chocolate ever! The added vanilla gives it an amazing taste!
Why thank you!! 😀
Grace
The difference between this hot chocolate and Swiss Miss is the difference between Parmigiano Reggiano and Velveeta.
Easy and delicious!!!
HA! I agree! 🙂
Grace
I can’t wait to make this recipe! I heard from someone who made it that it’s seriously the best ever!!
Aw love it! Let me know how it goes!