This homemade hot cocoa recipe is rich, creamy, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's the perfect warm drink for cozy winter nights.
You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!
I'm a huge fan of warm drinks during the wintertime. Hot apple cider is one of my go-tos, but I also love a good cup of warm cocoa. The thing is, in my family, it's usually just my husband, my daughter, and me who want hot chocolate at any given time. Making a big batch would go to waste, so I like to make servings for two.
This recipe uses an ingredient I don't see in most hot chocolate recipes: butter. I add a bit to emulsify the hot cocoa powder and milk, remove any grainy bits, and make the hot cocoa a little richer. It's such a great addition.
♡, Tanya
A Quick Look at The Ingredients
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Milks - I use both whole milk and evaporated milk as the base in this hot cocoa.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder - gives you that deep chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar - sweetens the cocoa to just the right level.
- Salt - just a small pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract - adds warmth and depth. Feel free to leave this out if you aren't a fan.
- Unsalted butter - When I first made this recipe without butter, I noticed the cocoa powder would separate and float at the top after a while. Butter acts as an emulsifier, keeping everything smooth and blended. Plus, it adds richness.
How to Make Hot Cocoa
Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to the melted butter. Whisk everything together.
Step 2: Add the milk slowly, about two tablespoons at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth with no dry bits of cocoa powder.
Step 3: Stir in the remaining milk and evaporated milk. Heat over medium-low, stirring often, until the hot chocolate is hot and steamy but not boiling.
Step 4: Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and taste. You can adjust the sugar if you need to. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Tanya's Top Tips
- Keep the heat at medium-low and stir often. If the hot chocolate boils, it can develop a skin on top, and the texture won't be as smooth.
- When you first add the milk to the cocoa paste, take your time and whisk constantly. This prevents any dry cocoa powder from clumping.
- A few drops of peppermint extract turn this into a peppermint hot chocolate. A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate vibe.
Why Make Homemade Hot Cocoa?
When you make hot cocoa from scratch, you're using whole ingredients without any mysterious additions that come in those packet mixes. Plus, you likely already have everything you need at home. It takes just about 10 minutes from start to finish, and the flavor is so much better than anything from a box.
FAQs
Yes! This recipe serves two, but you can easily double or triple it if you're serving more people. Just use a larger pot and keep an eye on it so it doesn't boil.
Looking for more cozy drink recipes? Try these out:
- Eggnog - this homemade version is made on the stovetop. One of my favorite drinks to make over the Holidays.
- Hot Apple Cider - I like to make a big batch for the Holidays. It's always a hit at our Holiday parties.
If you make this hot cocoa recipe, please let me know how you like it by leaving a review below. Your feedback is appreciated!
Homemade Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to the melted butter and whisk together.
- Add the milk slowly, about two tablespoons at a time, whisking constantly until smooth with no dry bits.
- Stir in the rest of the milk and the evaporated milk.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring often, until the hot chocolate is hot and steamy but not boiling.
- Take off the heat, stir in vanilla, and taste. Adjust sugar if needed. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Notes
separating, but it tastes best fresh.
• You can easily scale this recipe up or down. Double the recipe for 4 servings, or halve it for a single serving.
Leave a Reply