Homemade hot chocolate recipe made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect hot chocolate for the colder months.
We learned how to make delicious homemade hot chocolate a few years back. My parents were here visiting from out of town and as kids and grandparents do, the kids wanted somethings sweet, so they asked grandpa.
“Can we have hot chocolate!?”
Grandpa’s eyes met mine knowing really just who was in charge of that decision.
But the answer was simple. We didn’t have any.
Grandpa chimed in with “well, do you have any cocoa?”
With those six words I my mind exploded. “What! That’s all hot chocolate is?!”
Quickly I grabbed for a saucepan and cocoa powder, because I had to see this.
HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE
Ingredients
- milk
- cocoa powder
- sugar
- optional
- vanilla extract
- whipped cream
- marshmallows
- peppermint
- chocolate shavings
In a saucepan warm 2 ½ cups milk. Add 3 TBS cocoa power and 3TBS sugar. Whisk.
At this point you can also add ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional).
Pour into your favorite mug and top with your favorite toppings.
HOT CHOCOLATE TOPPINGS
- whipped cream
- marshmallows
- crushed peppermint
- chocolate shavings
- caramel sauce
You can get as fancy or simple as you’d like. Need something quick? Reach for the easy mini marshmallows. Looking to jazz it up for family movie night? Make an entire Hot coco bar! Complete with chocolate wafer cookies, sprinkles and all the fixings.
HOT CHOCOLATE WITHOUT MILK
Although I do love rich creamy hot chocolate, sometimes I like to make mine with only a splash of milk. Heat 2 ½ cups water in a saucepan and add 3 TBS cocoa power, 3 TBS sugar, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract and just a splash of milk. This recipe may not be as rich and creamy, but it’s a nice alternative if you’re low on milk in the house or just want something a little lighter.
HOT CHOCOLATE IN COFFEE
If you’re from New England you’ll call this a Dunkacccino and it is amazing! For this we brew our coffee and mix half coffee and half hot chocolate in our cup. Top with whipped cream (or additional creamer). If you want to get fancy add a dash of cinnamon and caramel drizzle. Yum!
Homemade hot chocolate is easy to make and customize just to your liking. If you’re someone who doesn’t like things overly sweet, start off by adding a TBS of sugar at a time and taste as you go.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does!
Best Wishes! ~Sara
Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 TBS cocoa powder
- 3 TBS sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan heat 2 1/2 cups milk till warm.
- Add 3 TBS cocoa powder, 3 TBS sugar and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional).
- Whisk
- Pour into favorite mug and top with desired toppings.
Notes
- whipped cream
- marshmallows
- crushed peppermint
- chocolate shavings
- caramel sauce
Nutrition
You also might like…
Follow me on…
Back to Sara’s Kitchen
Back to Home Page
Be sure to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
