Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate made with whole milk, bittersweet chocolate, and a touch of vanilla, perfect for cozy moments served with whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk, etc.)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add milk, sugar, and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan to prepare the base mixture for the hot chocolate.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk occasionally until the mixture just begins to bubble, making sure it does not boil to avoid scorching.
- Add Chocolate and Vanilla: Stir in the bittersweet chocolate and vanilla extract, whisking continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into 4 small mugs and top each with a generous serving of homemade whipped cream for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- 6 oz chocolate equals approximately 1 cup chopped chocolate.
- Use any milk, dairy or non-dairy; whole or 2% milk yields the creamiest drink, or try half milk and half cream for richness.
- For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk works well.
- Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder; dark cocoa powder can enhance the chocolate’s depth.
- Granulated white sugar, organic cane sugar, or coconut sugar can be used interchangeably.
- Choose semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for balanced sweetness; milk or white chocolate will make it sweeter.
- Dairy-free chocolate can be used to make this recipe vegan-compatible.
- Pure vanilla extract is best, but other extracts like peppermint can add unique flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
