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Cozy up with a delicious cup of homemade hot chocolate. This easy recipe will have you sipping on a dreamy, creamy, chocolatey drink in no time. Plus, check out our video tutorial for the perfect cup every time!
Hands down the best homemade hot chocolate! No more taking a couple of sips and throwing the rest away, you’ll gulp down every bit of this one! The taste of real chocolate in every gulp!
Table of Contents
- Cade and Hot Chocolate
- What is the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?
- Ingredients for Hot Chocolate
- How to Make Hot Chocolate at Home
- Can You Make Hot Chocolate in a Slow Cooker?
- Is Hot Chocolate Good for You?
- What to Eat with Hot Chocolate
- Storing and Reheating Hot Chocolate
- More Holiday Drinks and Snacks Recipes:
- Watch How to Make Hot Chocolate from Scratch
- Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Cade and Hot Chocolate
Oh Cade, you and your hot chocolate obsession are ridiculous. I’ve personally never cared that much for hot drinks, apple cider, hot chocolate, tea, bleh. I like ice water, aren’t I lame? But after moving to Utah and experiencing winter for 9 months of the year I’ve really started to enjoy homemade hot chocolate.
This hot chocolate is made out of love for Cade because he loves hot chocolate. He grew up eating cocoa and toast. He actually dips buttered toast in the hot chocolate. Are you kidding me? It gets soggy, sweetheart! I don’t get it!
We had a chocolate fountain at our wedding (don’t judge it used to be cool) which used a mix of milk or semi sweet chocolate and white chocolate which was just dreamy so I knew I wanted to go with a combination again. And of course, whole milk and heavy cream add to the creaminess, but the real secret is the sweetened condensed milk.
Cade is all about that in his drinks and even cereal thanks to his time serving his mission in Brazil (yes even his cereal and Brazilian lemonade and gosh darnit jello, and even his lime pie all call for it thanks to Brazil.)
What is the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?
Hot chocolate is made from melting real chocolate and mixing it with milk, cream and/or water. It is usually more creamy in texture and more rich in flavor. I like to think of it as real hot chocolate.
Hot cocoa is make from the cocoa powder and sugar mixture combined with either hot milk or hot water.
Hot cocoa and hot chocolate are often used interchangeably as the name of a warm chocolate beverage even though they are technically different.
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate
- Heavy Cream: Adds rich creaminess and body, giving the hot chocolate a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Whole Milk: Creates a smooth, balanced base…creamy without being too heavy.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens naturally while adding thickness and a silky, dessert-like consistency.
- Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: Bring deep chocolate flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: Add extra creaminess and mild sweetness, rounding out the chocolate flavor.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Make the hot chocolate sweeter, smoother, and more kid-friendly.
How to Make Hot Chocolate at Home
- Combine: Add all the ingredients to a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Stir: As the chocolate begins to melt, stir occasionally and then reduce the heat to medium low. Continue to stir the mixture periodically until completely melted.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, marshmallows or sprinkles and pour into mugs or styrofoam cups to serve!
You can also find all the instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips for Stovetop Hot Chocolate
- Don’t scrimp on the whole milk and heavy cream! This recipe is rich and indulgent but you don’t get the same stellar results if you try to go lighter on the milk.
- Use good quality chocolate. Guittard is my favorite brand that is easily found and reasonably priced.
- Don’t let the milk scorch. If the milk starts to boil, the texture will end up grainy and not smooth.
- Hot Chocolate Variations: Add a half teaspoon vanilla extract, peppermint extract or orange extract for delicious variations. A dash of cinnamon is also so yummy!
Can You Make Hot Chocolate in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Whisk it occasionally so that the chocolate melts. Once it is smooth and creamy, change the crockpot to warm and serve.
Is Hot Chocolate Good for You?
It may seem like an indulgence, but this chilly day treat actually has a whole host of health benefits.
Cocoa powder contains powerful antioxidants and many studies have shown its beneficial effects on heart health, insulin levels, memory and more.
Best of all? It just plain makes you happy.
What to Eat with Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing like reading the Polar Express, a tradition from my own childhood, enjoying hot fried donuts and homemade hot chocolate.
Annnnd now I’m craving donuts. Gosh darnit! I adore my Grandma’s spudnuts too.
A delicious muffin is also the perfect companion to a cup of hot cocoa! Our bakery style blueberry muffins are a popular recipe on the blog, as well as our Costco copycat pumpkin crumb muffins for the perfect fall treat.
Storing and Reheating Hot Chocolate
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator after cooling to room temperature. It will keep for 4-5 days. I don’t recommend freezing hot chocolate. The dairy products will curdle and lose their creamy texture.
It is best reheated in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently until heated through.
Creamy and decadent homemade hot chocolate that will warm you up on a chilly day. With just a few simple ingredients, including real chocolate, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
More Holiday Drinks and Snacks Recipes:
- Homemade Wassail
- Snowman Milk
- Reindeer Muddy Buddy Christmas Snack Mix
- Christmas Jello Popcorn
- Fudge Recipe
- Rolo Pretzels with M&M’s
Watch How to Make Hot Chocolate from Scratch
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 5 Cups Whole Milk
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk, 14 ounces
- 1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
- ½ Cup White Chocolate Chips
- ½ Cup Milk Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- In a large stock pot over medium heat, add all of the ingredients.2 Cups Heavy Cream, 5 Cups Whole Milk, 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk, 1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, ½ Cup White Chocolate Chips, ½ Cup Milk Chocolate Chips
- Heat and stir occasionally until the chocolate begins to melt and then turn to medium low and continue to stir every now and again until completely chocolatey and melted.
- Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows and sprinkles!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It is the most dreamiest creamiest hot chocolate ever. 😍
Right?!