How To Make Hot Chocolate Wellplated Com

Made with hot milk and combining the intensity of cocoa powder with the richness of good chocolate, this hot chocolate is the real deal. Sure, there’s the powdery packet plus microwave. BUT let’s be honest: it’s not the same. If you are going to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, really enjoy it with the good stuff! Plus, making hot chocolate homemade allows you to customize how chocolatey, sweet, or creamy you want it, to add different flavors, and even to spike it.

How to Make Hot Chocolate

This easy hot chocolate is fuzzy flannel and your favorite slippers feels.

For a shortcut version with just 2 ingredients and when you just want a mug or two, try Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate.For an over-the-top, sinfully chocolaty rendition, don’t miss French Hot Chocolate.Cook for a crowd? This Crockpot Hot Chocolate is nothing short of fabulous.

My apologies for ruining you from the hot cocoa mix packet forever, but I think you’ll thank me after you have a sip of this creamy dreamy chocolate. Grab a saucepan and your favorite chocolate, and whisk up warm milk with a few ingredients to treat yourself to a mug of heaven.

The Ingredients

Milk. I used 2%, which gives it richness than skim and makes healthier and less calories and cholesterol than other homemade hot chocolates that call for heavy cream or whole milk. You can use your preferred milk here. I don’t recommend water as water makes hot chocolate thin and not as flavorful. Bonus, milk has protein and calcium.Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Chocolate is the star of this drink after all, so use the good stuff. I recommend chopping a bar of chocolate. If you use bittersweet, add a bit more sugar to the recipe.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. To pack an extra punch of chocolate flavor.Sugar. This is optional and the amount can be adjusted based on how sweet versus bitter you prefer your chocolate level.

Cinnamon. This is my secret ingredient, but I’m sharing with you because I love you. The pinch of cinnamon adds that mysterious, delightful “what is in this delicious drink?!” element.Vanilla Extract. Because vanilla makes every sweet taste better.Salt. Wait, salt in hot cocoa? Yes! Just a bit to balance the sweet and bring out the chocolate.

The Directions

Hot Chocolate Recipe Variations

The beauty of homemade hot chocolate is you can make it so many ways! Chopping a bar will help the chocolate fully melt and be smooth. Nutella Hot Chocolate:

Whisk in 2 tablespoons of Nutella to base hot chocolate recipe while it’s warming on the stove.

Coffee Hot Chocolate:

Add a shot of espresso to your cup, then pour in hot chocolate.

Spiked Hot Chocolate: For a grown up version, add a shot of liquor per 1 cup serving of hot chocolate. A few options that I think would be tasty:

Baileys Irish CreamKahluaChocolate liqueurCoffee liqueurBrandyPeppermint schnapps

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the hot chocolate recipe, or a teeny splash to your mug (a little goes a long way!).To drive home peppermint point, garnish mug with mini candy cane, and/or drop in a peppermint patty candy.

Storage Tips

To Store. After cooling to room temperature, store in a covered container in fridge. Hot chocolate is best served within a day.To Reheat. Warm in microwave or in saucepan on the stove until steaming.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Whisk. I find I use a small-sized whisk much more frequently than a full sized.Measuring Cups. A baking essential!Ladle. For serving.

Let’s raise a mug to the season and to the best hot chocolate! Double (or triple!) your recipe as needed, and arrange a display of fun toppings so guests can fix their own chocolate concoction. Topping options are endless, so get creative!

MarshmallowsMini candy canesHershey KissesFresh chocolate shavingsPeppermint pattiesWhipped creamCookiesCaramelsCinnamon sticksCaramel sauce