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Just three simple ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy homemade 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 cup of rich cocoa.
You can serve the cocoa as is or top it with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, or even dunk a candy cane in it for peppermint cocoa. However you choose to serve the cocoa, it also earns a smile.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
Most of us grew up on the little packets of hot cocoa mix sold in stores. Whether we were raised in snowy weather or in the desert, those packets meant it was winter and time for fun!
There’s a lot of comforting nostalgia in those packets, 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 infinitely better and fresher.
And while that is enough argument in and of itself to make this, there’s a bonus: this homemade easy hot chocolate recipe is much more economical!
I’ve been making hot cocoa (without the packets) for many years now and we love this peppermint hot chocolate too. (That cocoa mix gets bonus points for being a terrific make-ahead hostess gift too!)
And if you are making hot cocoa for the grownups, this high octane hot chocolate is a lot of fun for any adult occasion – with the addition of a couple splashes of Kahlua and vodka.
If you want to go to the next level with just one step, you can stir in a small handful of rich chocolate chips at the end. And the simple addition of homemade marshmallows makes this easy hot cocoa recipe worthy of a special occasion.
Hot Cocoa Recipe
To make this simple homemade hot cocoa mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Milk
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Optional: dark chocolate chips and marshmallows
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Whisk the sugar and cocoa together in a small saucepan until it’s even in color. Add the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is almost simmering.
If you’d like to make your homemade hot chocolate mix recipe even more richly chocolatey, add a handful of chocolate chips to the mixture when it is steaming hot and stir to melt. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows if you love them.
Simple 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 1/27/25}
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!