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Chocolat Chaud or French Hot Chocolate is rich, deep and simply wonderful, especially this popular recipe from Dorie Greenspan. Perfect for keeping a potful on hand to warm you on a cold winter day!

overhead view of a cup of chocolat chaud or French hot chocolate from dorie greenspan is sitting on a wire round serving tray on a wood surface along with a white napkin and two pieces of chcoclate candy.

French hot chocolate is hands-down the best hot chocolate. It’s thick, creamy, and warms your soul, especially on a cold day.

This version is from one of my favorite cookbook authors and bloggers Dorie Greenspan. It is her version of Laudree’s chocolat chaud.

If you want an even richer, thicker version, try this Ultra Creamy Chocolat Chaud. It takes me right back to Paris!

Why you’ll love this french hot chocolate recipe

Easy recipe using pantry ingredients you probably have on hand
Just minutes to a pot of rich French-style hot chocolate
Makes enough to keep you supplied all day or to share
Made with whole milk instead of heavy cream

Ingredients

Whole milk
Water
Sugar
Bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

closeup view from overhead of a large mug of French chocolat chaud from Dorie Grenspan sitting on a white napkin next to two pieces of block chocolate on a silver tray.

How to Make French Hot Chocolate from Dorie Greenspan

This recipe is originally from Dorie Greenspan.

In a medium saucepan combine the milk, water and sugar.
Place over medium heat and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to just a boil.
Remove from heat and add chocolate.
Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is melted.
Blend the mixture with an immersion blender or pour mixture into a traditional blender. If using a blender BE CAREFUL and when you put the top on do not add the little plug and put a towel over the hole.
Blend for 1 minute.
Pour into cups and enjoy!
You can garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder if you like.

Tips & Variations

Add garnishes. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint candy, cocoa powder or cinnamon powder.
Flavor it. Add some vanilla, almond, orange or peppermint extract.
Spike it. Add some alcohol, like Bailey’s, Peppermint Schnapps, Kahlua, or your favorite.
Make it thicker. Replace about 1/4 cup of milk with heavy cream for an extra rich treat.

A silver tray on a wood surface holds a steaming mug of french hot chocolate or chocolat chaud sitting on a white napkin alongside two pieces of chocolate.

Storage

This hot chocolate will last all day; you may need to reheat it. If so, be sure to blend again to keep it mixed. You can store leftovers in the fridge and reheat, then reblend before serving.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes

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French Hot Chocolate with Whole Milk

Chocolat Chaud or French Hot Chocolate is rich, deep and simply wonderful, especially this popular recipe from Dorie Greenspan. Perfect for keeping a potful on hand to warm you on a cold winter day!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1½ cups whole milk
2½ TBSP water
2½ TBSP sugar
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate finely chopped

Instructions

In a medium saucepan combine the milk, water and sugar.
Place over medium heat and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to just a boil.
Remove from heat and add chocolate.
Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is melted.
Blend the mixture with an immersion blender or pour mixture into a traditional blender. If using a blender BE CAREFUL and when you put the top on do not add the little plug and put a towel over the hole.
Blend for 1 minute.
Pour into cups and enjoy!
You can garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder if you like.