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Rich and Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate

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This Homemade Hot Chocolate has three types of chocolate, plus milk and heavy cream for a smooth, velvety cup of chocolate goodness. This is a perfect from-scratch hot cocoa and the only recipe you’ll need!

Top view of a steaming cup of homemade hot chocolate topped with whipping cream and a few red sprinkles, sitting on a gray and white cloth next to a tray of Hershey's candies.

Winter is typically one of my favorite times of the year. I love the snow, snow shoeing, long days and lots of time to relax and read by the fire. But this year, the bone chilling cold is getting me down.

To combat the winter blues, I have been drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate and this morning is no different. After all, what could be better after shoveling than a piping hot cup of chocolatey goodness?

This is my standard recipe, the only variation is the percentage of chocolate depending on what is in my cabinet. Sometimes I have more dark than milk, other times I use all dark and just add a touch more sugar. 

Do you have a favorite hot chocolate recipe? I would love for you to share a like if you do or just write it in the comment section. 

I hope that you stay warm and have a fabulous weekend!

side view of a white ceramic handled mug of rich homemade hot chocolate made with three kinds of chocolate and cream, on a gray and white table covering next to a rectangular tray of christmas candies.

Why you’ll love this Homemade Hot Chocolate

  • Perfect recipe for a delicious cup of hot chocolate
  • Flexible ingredients, so you can use what you have on hand
  • Double the recipe (it serves 4) so you have some last all day and to share
  • There’s no better way to warm up on a cold day!
  • Make a big pot to warm up after sledding or skiing

Ingredients

  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • 60% dark chocolate
  • 70% dark chocolate
  • Milk chocolate
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
Overhead view of a white ceramic mug of creamy homemade hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and red candy sprinkles on a gray and white patterned cloth next to a red and white tray filled with silver and red wrapped hershey's kisses.

How to Make the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate

  1. In a small saucepan, bring milk and cream to a low simmer, over a medium to high heat. Do not scald the milk.
  2. Chop chocolate into small pieces.
  3. Once milk is warm, add the sugar and salt and whisk to combine.
  4. Add the chocolate and whisk until smooth.
  5. Remove from heat and add the vanilla.
  6. Mix until combined and then serve.
  7. You can add whipped cream, marshmallows or whatever else you like as a garnish or serve it plain.

Tips & Variations

  • Switch up the chocolate. Use what you have on hand, every combination will be delicious.
  • Spike it. Add a bit of your favorite whiskey, bourbon, or liqueur to jazz it up.
  • Change the flavoring. Instead of vanilla, try almond, peppermint, or orange extract.
Side view of a large white mug of dark and milk chocolate homemade hot chocolate drink with whipped cream topping and a few red sprinkles sitting on a gray and white table cloth next to a red and white dish of Hershey's candy kisses.

Storage

This hot chocolate should be consumed immediately or within a few hours. If you wait longer or refrigerate, be sure to stir to stir the ingredients well before serving.

Related Recipes

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Did you enjoy this recipe?

Leave a comment and a review below to share your thoughts.

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Side view of a large white mug of dark and milk chocolate hot chocolate drink with whipped cream topping and a few red sprinkles sitting on a gray and white table cloth next to a red and white dish of Hershey's candy kisses

Homemade Hot Chocolate

This Homemade Hot Chocolate has three types of chocolate, plus milk and heavy cream for a smooth, velvety cup of chocolate goodness. This is a perfect from-scratch hot cocoa and the only recipe you'll need!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 oz. 60% dark chocolate
  • 3 oz. 70% dark chocolate
  • 2 oz. milk chocolate
  • 3 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch salt

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, bring milk and cream to a low simmer, over a medium to high heat. Do not scald the milk.
  • Chop chocolate into small pieces.
  • Once milk is warm, add the sugar and salt and whisk to combine.
  • Add the chocolate and whisk until smooth.
  • Remove from heat and add the vanilla.
  • Mix until combined and then serve.

Optional Garnishes:

  • You can add whipped cream, marshmallows or whatever else you like as a garnish or serve it plain.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade hot chocolate, hot chocolate

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