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Creamy Hot Cocoa is a rich, velvety hot cocoa recipe that will never fail you! It’s perfect as is, or as a base for any number of spin-offs, variations, or indulgences. Top with a heaping spoonful of whipped cream for a delicious creamy cup of hot chocolate.

A red and white striped cup filled with creamy hot cocoa topped with whipped cream sits on a white saucer of a white background that is scattered with hershey's silver and red kisses candies.

You know by now that I’m always trying out new hot chocolate and hot cocoa recipes, but sometimes tried-and-true is easy and better! This basic creamy hot cocoa recipe from All Recipes is just that kind of recipe.

It uses only regular pantry ingredients and is truly delicious. But it can also be jazzed up with all kinds of variations, mix-ins, and toppings according to season or mood.

Try it out, and then keep this recipe to work from whenever you’re in a hot cocoa mood!

Why you’ll love this Creamy Hot Cocoa recipe

Basic cocoa recipe that you can customize a million different ways
Uses pantry ingredients you probably have on hand
Easy to double or triple so you can share with the whole family, friends, or at any event
Perfectly chocolaty and oh-so-creamy

Ingredients

Cocoa powder
Sugar
Salt
Boiling water
Milk
Vanilla
Whipping cream for garnish

An overhead view of a peppermint red and white striped cup of Creamy Hot Cocoa sits on a white saucer on a white surface that has hershey's silver and red chocolate kisses scattered on it.

How to Make Creamy Hot Cocoa

This recipe is originally from All Recipes.

In a saucepan add cocoa, sugar, and salt.
Blend in the boiling water and stir.
Simmer and stir for one or two minutes.
Add milk and bring to a soft boil, then remove from heat and add vanilla.
Garnish with whipping cream and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Top it. Instead of whipped cream, try marshmallows, a drizzle of peanut butter or caramel sauce, crushed peppermint candies, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or cardamom.
Flavor it. Instead of vanilla, try peppermint, almond or orange extract, or flavored syrups like cherry, caramel, or chocolate.
Make it richer. Add a splash of half and half to each finished cup of cocoa, or elevate the chocolate flavor by stirring in some shaved dark chocolate or espresso powder.
Spike it. Add a couple of tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, bourbon, rum or whiskey.

Storage

This hot chocolate tastes best right when it’s ready, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Just be sure to give it a good stir to remix the ingredients.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes

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Creamy Hot Cocoa

Creamy Hot Cocoa is a rich, velvety hot cocoa recipe that will never fail you! It's perfect as is, or as a base for any number of spin-offs, variations, or indulgences.

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