The Best Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

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We’ve done the taste-testing and tinkering and we’ve discovered a hot chocolate recipe that tastes amazing and is so easy to make! Learn how to make this creamy hot chocolate in five easy steps.

Here are a few more wintry drinks we think you’ll love – Snickerdoodle Cookie Mocktails, Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider, Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, and Non-Alcoholic Holiday Punch.

If you’re a regular reader of this site, you may have noticed my LOVE for a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. It is hands-down my winter drink of choice, and I usually have more than my fair share during the Christmas season.

I’ve shared 10 Ways to Dress Up Your Instant Hot Cocoa Packets and my family’s favorite Frozen Hot Cocoa recipe. But today I want to go back to basics and show you my favorite Hot Chocolate recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and totally delicious! (You’re never going to want to use store-bought hot cocoa mix again!)

How To Make Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS –

As written, this recipe makes 4 servings but it can easily be multiplied to make a double batch for your family and friends.

• unsweetened cocoa powder
• white sugar
• pinch of salt
• water
• milk
• creamer
• vanilla extract

RECIPE NOTES –

• I always use 2% milk becuase it’s what we keep in our fridge, but you can use whatever you have on hand! Coconut milk or cashew milk works, too, but you might have to adjust the flavors mix-ins and toppings to adjust to the sweeter flavor.
• I prefer Hazelnut or French Vanilla creamer, but use whatever flavors you love
• The vanilla extract is optional, but I love the sweetness it adds!

FAVORITE FLAVOR VARIATIONS + TOPPINGS –

• mini marshmallows
• small pinch or teaspoon ground cinnamon
• peppermint extract
• caramel or chocolate fudge sauce
• whipped cream
• chocolate shavings
• crushed peppermint candies

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a small bowl, combine the cocoa, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add cocoa mixture, then simmer, stirring constantly for about a minute or until the cocoa mixture is well blended. Keep a close eye on this- do not let this scorch or burn to the bottom or you will have to start all over!

Stir in milk and heat until hot. Remove from heat.

Add a splash of vanilla extract if you like your hot cocoa extra sweet. (I prefer it, but this is optional.)

Pour into 4 mugs. Add the desired amount of creamer to each mug and stir to mix and cool the cocoa to drinking temperature.

Add your favorite cocoa toppings and flavorings – mini marshmallows, caramel or fudge sauce, ground cinnamon, whipped cream, etc.

HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –

ENJOY!