The Best Homemade Rich & Creamy Hot Chocolate
Make a rich, creamy, and decadent hot chocolate on the stovetop using real chocolate bars for a deep flavor superior to any packet mix.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat until steaming, but do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Slowly whisk about one cup of the hot milk mixture into the dry ingredients until a smooth paste forms. This prevents lumps.
- Pour the chocolate paste mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream.
- Add the finely chopped chocolate to the saucepan. Continue to heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker hot chocolate, reduce the milk slightly or add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold milk before heating.
- Use high-quality chocolate bars for the best flavor.
- This recipe makes a gourmet hot chocolate experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 75