Creamy Hot Chocolate

Rich and comforting, this creamy hot chocolate is the best treat to savor on a chilly day. It’s easy to make homemade hot cocoa in only a few minutes with cocoa powder and cream then top it how you like for the perfect cup! 

When it’s a cold day there is nothing better than a steamy hot drink! This creamy hot chocolate has become a holiday tradition to make while putting up our Christmas tree and snacking on some favorite Christmas cookies.

It’s easy to make in only a few minutes and has the best rich chocolate taste that is not too overly sweet! Adding cream makes it smooth and luxurious tasting and then topping it with whipped cream or even sprinkles makes it so festive! 

Whether you make a mug of hot cocoa to enjoy by yourself or to serve at a holiday party, it’s the best treat. You can even make it ahead and reheat later if you would like! No matter how you enjoy a mug, it’s pure bliss. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Readily available ingredients like cocoa powder, milk, sugar, vanilla and cream are all you need for this cocoa. It really is the easiest recipe!
• Quick and easy: This special treat is ready to sip in less than 15 minutes and satisfies any cravings for a warm, chocolate dessert! 
• Sweet and creamy: The perfect amount of sugar balances the rich cocoa powder and using both cream and milk make this the best creamy hot chocolate! 
• Customizable: Add some flavorings, top it with whipped cream or extra chocolate shavings, no matter how you make it, it’s always the perfect cup! 

Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: You can use cacao powder or even Dutch process cocoa powder if preferred.
• Sugar: White sugar is best as it dissolves faster although brown sugar or coconut sugar can also be used. 
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the taste of all the other ingredients. 
• Milk: Milk that is at least 2% is best as it makes your cocoa extra creamy. You can use whatever milk you have, though, including plant-based alternatives like almond milk.
• Cream: Heavy whipping cream, light cream, heavy cream or half and half can be used. For the creamiest hot chocolate, use cream with a higher fat content.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a rich layer of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Hot Chocolate

In a medium saucepan whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar and salt, and then stir in a ¼ cup of milk to make a paste. 

Continue to whisk together the hot cocoa recipe over medium-low heat until smooth while adding remaining milk and cream.

When tiny bubbles start to appear around the edge, remove the pan from the heat and add vanilla, whisking until smooth. 

Pour your creamy hot cocoa into mugs and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.

What is the difference between hot cocoa vs. hot chocolate? 

While the names are used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two! Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder while hot chocolate is made with a combination of cocoa powder and real pieces of a good quality chocolate. 

It’s easy to make either kind from scratch and the version you make really comes down to preference and ingredients on hand! No matter what, making a delicoius homemade hot chocolate recipe with either cocoa powder or real chocolate is a decadent treat and so much better than boxed mix. 

Toppings and Flavorings

Upgrade this creamy homemade hot chocolate recipe with any of these fun toppings or try some add-ins for some variations to the original recipe! You can even make an adult version like my Baileys thick Italian hot chocolate or create a hot chocolate bar. 

Favorite toppings: 

• Mini marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Caramel syrup or homemade maple caramel syrup
• Candy canes or crushed peppermint candies
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts
• Cinnamon sticks

Flavorings:

• Peppermint extract
• Rum extract
• Almond extract
• Coconut extract
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom or cloves
• Chili powder or cayenne pepper
• Instant espresso powder

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating Instructions

While this easy hot chocolate recipe tastes best fresh you can make it ahead of time. Assemble cocoa as directed and then store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container, mason jar or bottle.

To reheat the cocoa, simmer the desired amount in a saucepan to avoid boiling and causing the cream to separate. 

Recipe FAQs

What is the best cocoa powder to use?

For the best hot chocolate recipe with cocoa powder, you will want to use a high quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Ghirardelli and Guittard are two high quality cocoa powders that will have great results. You can even use dark chocolate or bittersweet cocoa powder for an even richer hot cocoa. Dutch processed cocoa powder also works and you may like the smoother milder taste of this powder that has been alkalized to remove acidity. 

Can I use hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, but the taste and quality will be quite different! Hot cocoa mix usually contains more sugar than cocoa powder but if you are all out of pure cocoa powder a mix will work. You may want to keep homemade hot chocolate mix on hand for situations just like this! 

What milk is best to use?

For the best taste you will want to use at least 2% milk. Whole milk would also be a great choice in this comforting drink. You can use skim milk but the drink will not be as creamy. If you need to use non-dairy milk, you can use any nut milk or coconut milk as well as a dairy free cream. 

Can I make frozen hot chocolate?

Sure! Instead of adding the ingredients to a saucepan, add them to a blender, add some crushed ice and blend. Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Whether you prefer your homemade hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, this rich and creamy drink has the power to transport you to cozy winter nights by the fireplace. Enjoy!

Updated from November 15, 2015.