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Just three simple ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy cup of hot cocoa that tastes better than any packaged mix at the store. Milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sugar are all you need to make the ultimate comforting treat.
And, this is my favorite method for making cocoa from scratch. It tastes perfect as-is, but you can also take it up a notch by tossing in a few chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor or adding a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. This hot cocoa recipe is wonderfully adaptable.
I keep a batch of my 3 ingredient cocoa mix in the pantry year-round too. It combines the unbeatable flavor of homemade cocoa with the convenience of a powdered mix.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
I grew up on the little packets of cocoa mix sold in stores. My grandmother Zintz could make those packets feel like the fanciest of winter treats, served steaming hot in one of her sturdy brown mugs. So, there’s a lot of comforting nostalgia in those packets for me.
But, with just a measuring spoon and about 10 extra seconds, you can wrap your hands around a mug full of homemade cocoa that tastes so much better. And, while that’s enough of an argument to convince me, there’s another bonus: it also costs less!
I’ve been using this recipe for hot cocoa for many years now, and I’ve even developed a recipe for peppermint hot chocolate, too. All of my homemade cocoa mixes make great options as gifts around the holidays, too.
I have tried many recipes for hot chocolate, but none totally satisfied. BUT THEN, I accidentally happened upon this magnificent recipe for hot chocolate. You’ve put together the best balance between cocoa powder and solid chocolate. I used coconut milk and dairy-free, dark chocolate chips (Enjoy Life). I’m making it for the 3rd time this week, and I’ve decided to double the recipe today. The more (hot chocolate), the merrier (me)!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Milk – For the creamiest flavor, I use whole milk. But, 2% or skim milk will work in a pinch.
Chocolate – I use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey taste.
Sugar – You can adjust the amount of granulated white sugar in this recipe to reach the desired level of sweetness.
Notes on Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- This awesome roux whisk. If you’ve never used a roux whisk, you need one. It gets into all the nooks and crannies of the saucepans and pots and creates the smoothest, creamiest sauces you’ll ever make.
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa
Combining the Ingredients: I whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan. Then, I whisk in the milk.
Heating: I set the pan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it almost reaches a simmer.
Serving: When the cocoa is hot and everything is well combined, I pour it into mugs and serve with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Expert Tip
If you’d like to make your homemade hot cocoa recipe even richer, add a handful of chocolate chips to the cocoa when it is steaming hot. Stir them in to melt. This makes the cocoa creamier and adds depth to the chocolate flavor. I prefer to use dark chocolate chips in mine.
Add Some Toppings – You can take this drink right over the top with the right fixings. Whipped cream, marshmallows, and grated chocolate are just the beginning.
Don’t Boil the Milk – Generally speaking, you want to be careful when heating milk on the stove. The goal is to steam and ever so slightly simmer the cocoa. You don’t want it to boil.
A Pinch of Salt – Salt and chocolate just go together. You won’t change my mind. If you’re also a fan of salted chocolate, don’t miss out on throwing a tiny pinch in this cocoa!
Serving Suggestions
This hot chocolate is perfect with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a couple of fluffy marshmallows. And, if you’ve never drizzled the top with simple chocolate sauce or even my salted caramel sauce, you are missing out!
Curl up with a book and a mug of this cocoa for a lazy morning, or make it a whole experience with these monster cookie bars. It’s also great with a batch of my salted chocolate chip cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead: You can definitely combine the cocoa powder and sugar in advance. Then you’re one step ahead when it’s time to make it.
Storage: I rarely have a drop leftover when I serve this cocoa! Hot cocoa made from scratch tastes best enjoyed immediately, so go ahead and enjoy every sip. However, if you do have a portion leftover, you can store it in a jar with an airtight lid in the fridge.
Reheat: If your cocoa cools before you can finish it, just warm it back up in 30 second intervals in the microwave.
More Hot Beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
You can swap a portion of the milk for heavy cream, and it will make for an even richer, thicker cocoa. I don’t suggest using all heavy cream, though. It still needs to be a drinkable consistency.
Most nondairy milks will work well in this cocoa recipe. Just be sure to avoid those with added sugars, or reduce the amount of granulated sugar.
Both cocoa and milk scorch easily, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it while on the stove. You want to stir so that the liquid heats evenly. And, don’t let it boil! If it starts to simmer, reduce the heat slightly.
This recipe can easily be multiplied to serve a family or a crowd.
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa use dutch processed cocoa if you have it
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Whisk together the sugar and cocoa in the bottom of a small saucepan. Add the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is almost simmering.
- When the mixture is hot, add chocolate chips, if desired, and stir to melt. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows.
{originally published 12/1/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/5/26}
I was just looking for a simple hot chocolate recipe since I dont buy the premade stuff anymore, I wanted a simple recipe to make it myself. Thanks for posting it.
I went out and bought the gelatin yesterday…I'm gearing up to make those marshmallows, I can't wait!
I love a simple hot chocolate. Especially on these cold nights. Great drink by the fire 🙂
mMM!
I Love perfect french hot chocolate
Made this and it was awesome! thanks
I also add a little vanilla. Just love love love hot chocolate and spiced tea. Winter is so much nicer.
Can I use heavy whipping cream along with the milk? I have some left over from a Thanksgiving recipe.
Sure thing. It will just make it richer.
Just made this for my girls – thanks!!
This is the Hot Chocolate my Mom made for us, as children. There was always cocoa in the house. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
My mother had a hot chocolate mix recipe very similar to this except it called for powdered milk. I was not able to get the recipe before she passed, any tips?
Yes, my mom made the same recipe. If you'd rather make it with hot water, you can add powdered milk to the mix. Here's a link to a very similar recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/hot-cocoa-recipe.html I hope that helps!
I have tried many recipes for hot chocolate, but none totally satisfied. I was resigned to coconut milk and the healthy (no corn syrups), store-bought chocolate syrups – not the best flavor.
BUT THEN,
I accidentally happened upon this magnificent recipe for hot chocolate. It was a slip of the finger that brought me here to the best hot chocolate/ cocoa I’ve ever tasted. You’ve put together the best balance between cocoa powder and solid chocolate.
I used coconut milk and dairy-free, dark chocolate chips (Enjoy Life). I’m making it for the 3rd time this week, and I’ve decided to double the recipe today. The more (hot chocolate), the merrier (me)!
I’m so happy that you love the recipe, Debbie!
This is how I make cocoa, but I add a little pinch of salt. It really perks it up. Sometimes I add vanilla extract or a sweet spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom…)
Mmmm, I love adding cardamom too!