Description
This rich homemade hot chocolate recipe transforms your favorite childhood drink into a luxurious treat using simple ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and chopped dark chocolate. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for chilly days. Serve it with marshmallows, whipped cream, or any toppings you love for a pure blissful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids and Dairy
- 1¾ cups (420 g) whole milk
- ½ cup (115 g) heavy cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract or essence
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tbsp natural cocoa powder
- 1½ tbsp soft light brown sugar (white sugar can be substituted)
- 1 small pinch salt
Chocolate
- ½ cup (85 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped (or a heaping US cup if measuring by volume)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into the pan. Whisk continuously until the mixture is well combined.
- Bring to Simmer: Continue whisking and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil.
- Melt Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low. Add the roughly chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add Toppings: Top with your favorite additions such as marshmallows or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For best results, use gram measurements for accuracy.
- You can substitute light brown sugar with white sugar if preferred.
- Natural cocoa powder gives the richest flavor, but other cocoa powders can be used.
- Adjust sweetness to taste after melting the chocolate.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
