Homemade Hot Chocolate

-


Skip to Recipe

Does anything sound better than a steaming hot mug of luscious Homemade Hot Chocolate when the cold weather hits? I don’t think so! It’s a constant during the colder months, and I can’t imagine the holiday season with it. Couple it with a fireplace and a fluffy blanket, and you've got the cure for even the coldest of winter nights.

While you can stir cocoa powder into warm milk and call it a day, nothing compares to the rich, comforting goodness of a cup of homemade hot chocolate.
Hot, simmering milk melds with semi-sweet chocolate, cacao powder, and a dash of maple syrup, all in one pot. It’s luscious and unapologetically decadent and feels like a hug!
Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate

Most people mistakenly identify hot chocolate and cocoa as the same beverage. However, they differ in the ingredients that is used to make them. Traditionally, hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, sugar and milk. On the other hand, hot chocolate is simply what it sounds like: chopped chocolate mixed with hot milk until thoroughly blended that gives it a distinctly rich flavor.
What makes this Recipe so good
  • Made with only 5 ingredients: You will love that the recipe uses ingredients you already have on hand so you can make it any time a chilly day rolls around.
  • Unbelievably easy to make:Making this recipe is as simple as heating all of the ingredients together on the stovetop and then pouring into mugs.
  • Taste decadent: Made with real chopped dark chocolate, this hot chocolate has a luscious and smooth texture and full of creamy chocolatey goodness.
  • Perfect for the Festive Season: This recipe is the perfect festive treat for the holidays. Spread the holiday cheer by setting up a hot chocolate bar that is guaranteed to be a hit at your Christmas party.
Here are a few more beverages you’ll love having in your winter and holiday lineup: How to Serve

I like to serve my cup of Hot Chocolate topped with some marshmallows (a must). Some of the other favorite toppings include: chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, mini chocolate chips and candy canes.
Ready for more than just your basic hot chocolate? Here are a few suggestions to switch it up.
  • Make it boozy: Want to make your homemade hot chocolate just for the adults? Add in some Baileys!
  • Make Mexican Hot Chocolate: If you want to spice things up, you can turn this into Mexican Hot Chocolate by adding in some Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper. Cinnamon adds warmth while a pinch of cayenne adds a touch of heat.

If you made this Homemade Hot Chocolate, I would love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a comment below.



Homemade Hot Chocolate Homemade Hot Chocolate
Author: Happily Cooking
Preparation Time:
Cooking time:
Yields: 4 cups
Calories per serving: 400kcal




Ingredients:
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 110 g dark chocolate( with 50-60% cocoa), finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Marshmallows, for garnishing

Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk, cacao powder, maple syrup/honey and salt to a simmer. Stir everything until there are no lumps.
  2. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate and whisk for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the chocolate pieces are fully melted and the drink is smooth and hot.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, garnish with your favorite toppings.
  5. Enjoy warm!

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Popular Recipes

Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

-
Image
Skip to Recipe Chicken Pot Pie graces our dinner table very often during the colder months. It is comfort food at its finest and full of warm, cozy flavors. However, making it can be quite a hassle. There’s the rolling of the pie dough, the making of the filling, the assembly of the pie, and finally the baking. That is where these Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies come in. These Hand Pies have everything you love about a classic, hearty, homemade chicken pot pie but without all the fuss. The fact that these take almost half the time of regular pot pies to bake is a big win, especially during the weeknights. Prepared with a rich and creamy filling of chicken and veggies and tucked into store-bought puff pastry, then baked until golden and crisp. With a delectable filling inside and a golden beautiful crust outside, these savory pies are such a wonderfully cozy treat to warm up with on a chilly fall or winter night. They can be
Read more

Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks

-
Image
Skip to Recipe Who doesn't like potatoes? They are versatile, affordable, and it doesn’t take much to transform them into scrumptious, mouthwatering dishes, making them an excellent choice for party appetizers that can feed a hungry crowd. These Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks are a fun twist on the traditional potato dishes. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes that are infused with butter, garlic and parmesan and then baked in a muffin pan until golden and crispy. As each stack bakes, the top layers of the potatoes and edges get crispy while the center remains soft and creamy. Not to mention,as they bake in the oven, they will leave your kitchen smell incredible! Though they look festive and elegant, they don’t need much to make them delish. The secret to a great stack is thinly slicing the potatoes and layering them together. So while a sharp knife is an option, you're much better off using a mandolin. This ensures that each
Read more

Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding

-
Image
Skip to Recipe Though chia seeds have been there in the market for a pretty long time, it was only a few years ago that I came to know about them from an article. Initially, their consumption was limited to smoothies, but when puddings made with chia seeds came popping up on my Instagram feed, I knew it was time for me to give it a try! And to my surprise, it turned out awesome, and I was hooked. When the temperature rises, our breakfast staple oatmeal takes a backseat and enters CHIA SEED PUDDING. Filled with wholesome ingredients, this creamy Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding is a healthy, nourishing, and satisfying breakfast that comes together in no time. All you have to do is blend, mix, and set it into the refrigerator overnight. And, you will wake up to a delicious meal ready for you in the morning with minimal effort! Brilliant, isn’t it? Scented with vanilla, cinnamon and loaded with fresh blueberries, this pudding is simply amazing! Despite
Read more

Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

-
Image
Skip to Recipe We all have been in a similar situation. After a whole day of healthy eating, when you think that you have turned a corner, the clock strikes 3 p.m, and even before realizing, you are halfway through a bag of crisps or a big block of chocolate. When it comes to healthy eating, there’s one strategy that works time and again, and that is meal prepping. It has been a life-changer for me. Amidst hectic weekday schedules, it not only saves a lot of my time but also opens a world of healthy treats that are readily available when hunger strikes. These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls take the flavors of a traditional carrot cake and turn it into a healthy snack! Packed with fresh carrots and oats and naturally sweetened with dates, these Carrot Cake Bliss Balls satisfy your hunger and give you an instant energy boost. This no-bake recipe comes together in no time and makes for a healthy and delicious snack you can grab
Read more

Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Stew

-
Image
Skip to Recipe Rainy and cold weather seems to demand a bit of comfort food, and hence I have been making a lot of soups and stews lately. When it comes to vegetarian cooking, lentils are a favorite of mine and are always present in my pantry. They are packed with plant based protein and a great way to make filling and healthy meals. Not to forget, they are budget friendly too! This Vegetable and Lentil Stew is hearty, comforting and satisfying as it is loaded with a lot of vegetables and it is a nutritional powerhouse. If you are looking to transition to a vegetarian diet or simply looking for meatless meals, then this stew is perfect for you! Even my meat loving husband approved of it and relished it with gusto. I have used brown lentils for this recipe as they hold their shape, and at the same time, absorb all the flavors. What I love about this stew is that it is incredibly versatile and customizable. I have
Read more

Hash Brown Egg Cups

-
Image
Skip to Recipe Most days you will find us starting our day with a sweet meal, like Healthy Morning Glory Muffins , Easy and Healthy Homemade Granola , Tiramisu Chia Seed Pudding and Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins. However, once in a while, we switch things up and opt for savory bites. If you too want to opt out of sweet ways and start the day with a hearty, savory make-ahead breakfast, this is the recipe for you! These Hash Brown Egg Cups are pretty much exactly what they sound like. Hash brown cups that are filled with eggs, cheddar, bacon and veggies and then cooked in the oven. Why this Recipe Works Healthy: Packed with protein and veggies, these are a nutritious way to start your day. Easy customizable: These cups can be easily customized to suit your own tastes and preferences. You can add whatever diced veggies and meat y
Read more