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This Traditional Hot Cocoa is rich and creamy, made with extra special Droste cocoa powder and heavy cream, then topped off with mini-marshmallows. It’s the perfect cup of hot cocoa to warm and calm you on the coldest days and will be a family favorite!

closeup of a cup of traditional hot cocoa made with dark chocolate cocoa powder and heavy cream in a blue mug.

When winter rears its head or you need something cozy to warm you up, this is the recipe you’ll want to go for.

It’s made with some of the simplest pantry staples like cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and cream, but the result is so rich and creamy. It’s one of my go-to recipes and is the perfect choice for a soothing, warming cup of hot cocoa!

P.S. If you’re new here, you should know I’m a hot cocoa fiend and drink it literally every day! If you want more options to choose from, try this caffeinated Espresso Hot Chocolate recipe or one of my mainstays, Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. They’re all good!

Why you’ll love this Traditional Hot Cocoa recipe

Quick and easy recipe you can make anytime
Super chocolatey and rich without even needing chocolate chips
Perfect for sipping all day or warming up after time in the snow
Uses high quality cocoa powder, milk, and cream to make it really creamy and lovely

Ingredients

Milk
Heavy whipping cream
Droste cocoa powder – Unfortunately, this brand has gone out of business. You can substitute with any other high quality cocoa powder.
Sugar
Mini marshmallows for garnish

How to Make Traditional Hot Cocoa

Pour milk and heavy cream into a small pan.
Heat to almost boiling.
Add sugar and dissolve.
Whisk in cocoa powder.
Pour into mug and garnish with mini-marshmallows.

Tips & Variations

Substitute the cocoa. If you don’t have Droste, use whatever cocoa you have on hand or your favorite. The higher the quality, the better the flavor.
Add some chocolate. Some grated dark chocolate along with the milk, cream and cocoa powder will add extra depth of flavor.
Try more garnishes. Deepen the flavor by adding some chocolate shavings, some crushed peppermint candy, a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, or a swirl of peanut butter or caramel.

Storage

This hot cocoa is best consumed immediately but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours and then reheated to serve.

More Hot Cocoa Recipes

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Traditional Hot Cocoa Recipe with Cocoa Powder

This Traditional Hot Cocoa is rich and creamy, made with extra special Droste cocoa powder and heavy cream, then topped off with mini-marshmallows. It's the perfect cup of hot cocoa to warm and calm you on the coldest days and will be a family favorite!

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