Published: · Updated: by Laura Fuentes · This post may contain affiliate links
Nothing compares to homemade hot cocoa, and this recipe is so easy to make with unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt.
4.94 from 159 votes
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In cold weather months, hot cocoa is a must and this homemade recipe never disappoints.
It’s creamy, chocolatey, and everything hot cocoa should be. Did I mention how easy it is to make? Scroll down and I’ll show you how it’s done in a quick video, or you can print the recipe for later at the bottom of the page.
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- How to Make Hot Chocolate
- Hot Chocolate for One
- Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredient Swaps
- Homemade Hot Cocoa: 1 mug or 4!
- What to Serve with Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing like a cup of homemade hot cocoa made with realcocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It’s another reason we love the cold months!
I’ve experimented with a few recipes like the Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Strawberry Hot Chocolate– incredible, but the classic will always be #1 at my house!
Did you know there’s technically a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, the former is made with cocoa powder, while hot chocolate is made with actual chocolate!
How to Make Hot Chocolate
Let’s whip this up!For measurements & a printable form of the recipe, be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- First, combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring until smooth.
- Add the milk and continue to stir over medium heat, be sure not to boil.
- Once the cocoa has reached the desired temperature, remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and pour into mugs.
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles- whatever you’re heart desires and enjoy!
Be sure to watch the recipe video in the recipe card below to see the cocoa magic happen!
Hot Cocoa Ingredients
I used to keep hot cocoa packets on hand for quick use on a cold day, but nothing compares to hot cocoa made with real cocoa powder. Unfortunately, the packets usually contain hydrogenated oils, preservatives, and corn syrup solids- bummer.
Thankfully, homemade hot cocoa is extremely easy to prepare with a few pantry staples such as unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
You can also batch-make this recipe into your own DIY Hot Cocoa Mix, that way, it’s on hand to stir into hot milk for a quick treat on a cold day.
Make Next: Caramel Hot Cocoa
Hot Chocolate for One
Craving this warm treat but need to make it for one? Here’s what you’ll do:
Combine 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla in a large mug.
Heat 1 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Make sure it doesn’t boil or simmer. Add the hot milk to the mug and stir. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy.
In the microwave, for one:
Heat the milk in a microwave-safe measuring cup. In your serving mug, place the cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla. Pour a little bit of the hot milk, just enough to cover the powdered mixture, and with a spoon or small whisk, combine until no lumps appear. Once you have a chocolatey base, add the remaining hot milk to the mug and stir to combine.
Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredient Swaps
Although it is a treat, you can make it healthier without sacrificing taste.
Sugar
Swap the sugar for ¼ cup of honey, maple syrup, or ½ cup of coconut palm sugar.
Dairy-free milk
Swap the regular milk with your favorite milk alternative to make this dairy-free. I’ve tried this recipe with oat, soy, rice, and almond milk, and it always turns out great.
Want an epic dessert to pair with your healthier hot cocoa? You’ve got to try one of the recipes from my latest cookbook
Clean Treats Cookbook
Healthy and wholesome dessert recipes you’ll want to eat made with clean ingredients you already have on hand.
Grab your copy today!
Dutch Process vs. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder is slightly more acidic than Dutch-processed cocoa, giving it a sharper flavor. As far as making this hot cocoa, you can use both, with minimal taste differences.
Hot cocoa made with unsweetened cocoa powder will have a richer flavor, while Dutch processed tastes flatter and usually needs to be offset with more sugar and full-fat milk.
Not sure how to tell the difference? A quick scan of the label should indicate whether it’s regular or Dutch powder.
Have no clue what I’m talking about? No problem, head down and make the recipe, you’re going to love it.
Why Do You Add Vanilla at the End?
Vanillais like alcohol and is usually made with it, and it evaporates and cooks down when heated. Whenyou’re making this hot cocoa recipe, you addthevanillalast because thevanillawill evaporate, and the taste will not be as strong, or it could completely disappear ifyou addit too early.
Hot Chocolate Toppings & Add-Ins
Toppings are a fun and delicious bonus for hot cocoa, and sometimes we like to go over the top! Whether you want to make hot cocoa for an afternoon treat or create a hot cocoa bar for a party, these topping ideas will be a hit.
- Whipped cream
- Homemade marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped peppermint
- Caramel sauce drizzle
- Peppermint sticks, for stirring
Speaking of peppermint, add in a drop of peppermint extract for a copycat version of Starbucks’ peppermint hot chocolate.
Homemade Hot Cocoa: 1 mug or 4!
Laura Fuentes
4.94 from 159 votes
Nothing compares to homemade hot cocoa, and this recipe is so easy to make with unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt.
Servings: 4 cups
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Total Time 8 minutes mins
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup hot water
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups milk, dairy or non-dairy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt over medium heat.
Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat, and stir in the milk, do not boil.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
See How It’s Made
Notes
For One:
Combine 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla in a large mug. Heat 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Make sure it doesn’t boil or simmer. Add the hot milk to the mug and stir to combine.
In the microwave (for one):
Heat the milk in a microwave-safe measuring cup. In your serving mug, place the cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla. Pour a little bit of the hot milk, just enough to cover the powdered mixture, and with a spoon or small whisk, combine until no lumps appear. Once you have a chocolatey base, add the remaining hot milk to the mug and stir to combine.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cupCalories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 9gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 167mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 395IUCalcium: 307mgIron: 1mg
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What to Serve with Hot Chocolate
Healthy No-Bake Blondies – For a guilt-free snack,check out how these healthy blondies are made.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – What goes great with hot cocoa? Chocolate chip cookies, of course!
Healthy Desserts – Not sure what to make? I’ve got a list with 35 epic treats to enjoy!
