Welcome to the cozy indulgence of homemade hot chocolate, a classic comfort drink loved by many around the world. Originating centuries ago, hot chocolate has been cherished for its rich, creamy texture and irresistible chocolate flavor.

This recipe promises to deliver a velvety-smooth concoction that will warm your soul on chilly days and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Crafting your own hot chocolate allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a decadent treat tailored to your taste buds. While this recipe may seem indulgent, it’s surprisingly simple to master, making it perfect for beginners eager to elevate their beverage game.

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you’ll be sipping on a steaming mug of cocoa goodness in no time.

Expert Tip: Don’t let the hot chocolate boil after adding the chocolate mixture to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

Milk: Whole milk forms the creamy base of this hot chocolate, providing richness and a smooth texture to the beverage.

Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): Dark chocolate adds depth and intensity to the hot chocolate, imparting a luxurious cocoa flavor with hints of bitterness.

Sugar: Sweetness is balanced with sugar, enhancing the chocolate’s richness without overpowering its natural flavor.

Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder intensifies the chocolatey taste, contributing depth and complexity to the hot chocolate.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding warmth and depth to the indulgent drink.

Whipped Cream (Optional): For an extra indulgent treat, top your hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream, adding a creamy, airy finish.

Marshmallow (Optional): For a nostalgic touch, marshmallows can be added as a classic topping, melting into the hot chocolate and adding a delightful sweetness.

Expert Tip: For an extra indulgent treat, stir a splash of liqueur such as peppermint schnapps or Irish cream into your hot chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your hot chocolate with freshly baked cookies or biscotti for a delightful snack.
• Garnish your hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of cocoa powder for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve your hot chocolate alongside a platter of assorted toppings, such as chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or caramel sauce, allowing guests to customize their drinks to their liking.

Expert Tip: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best flavor and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate to adjust the flavor according to your preference. Milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, milder hot chocolate, while white chocolate will yield a creamy, indulgent variation.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the whole milk with your preferred non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, for a dairy-free version of hot chocolate.

How can I make the hot chocolate thicker or thinner?

To adjust the consistency of your hot chocolate, simply add more or less milk according to your preference. For a thicker drink, reduce the amount of milk or increase the quantity of chocolate and cocoa powder.

Can I prepare hot chocolate in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare a batch of hot chocolate ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I customize the flavor of the hot chocolate?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavor of your hot chocolate by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a spicy kick. Additionally, you can experiment with flavored syrups or extracts to create unique variations of the classic drink.

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If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Homemade Hot Chocolate

by Nabeela Kauser

Get ready to elevate your winter evenings with my luxurious hot chocolate recipe. Perfect for cold nights and holiday gatherings, our version strikes a balance between indulgence and simplicity. It’s a must-try that will make you forget all about instant hot chocolate.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 2

Calories 342 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 ml Milk
• ▢ 50 g Dark Chocolate 70% cocoa
• ▢ 20 g Sugar
• ▢ 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ▢ Whipped Cream Optional
• ▢ Marshmallow Optional

Instructions

• In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
• While the milk is heating, chop the dark chocolate into small pieces.
• In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder and sugar.
• Once the milk is steaming, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until it’s completely melted.
• Return the saucepan to low heat and whisk in the cocoa powder mixture until the hot chocolate is smooth and well combined.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Continue to heat the hot chocolate on low for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot but not boiling.
• Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
• If desired, top each mug with a dollop of whipped or serve with your favourite toppings.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious hot chocolate!

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 11gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 126mgPotassium: 623mgFibre: 3gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 0.1mgVitamin D: 3µgCalcium: 399mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Chocolate, Hot, Hot Drinks, Recipe, Winter

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