Last week I shared my FAVORITE summer treat, my Lemon Sour Cream Pie. Today it rained, it was MARVELOUS (As a born and raised Oregonian I LOVE the rain)! It was also very cold. The leaves have all changed colors and there was a beautiful mist over the mountains. I don’t like it TOO cold, not a huge fan of snow… but if it means I get to make this hot chocolate then I’ll take it.
I love chocolate, in pretty much every form. Bars, cookies, cake, ice cream and liquid! When we were living in Japan I would miss some of my favorite foods. So when I was missing hot chocolate I started trying various recipes, mixing and matching until I was happy with one. In fact before we lived in Japan I didn’t really experiment much with my cooking, that year totally changed my life – inspiring my love of cooking, baking, recipe development and more.
How to make hot chocolate - this recipe is the best homemade hot chocolate recipe ever. A thick, rich and easy to make hot cocoa.
- 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 C granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 C water
- 4 C whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- In a saucepan mix the dry ingredients.
- Add the water and bring to a boil, keep boiling for one min.
- Then add the milk.
- Heat until it's the temp you like.
- Take off the heat and add the vanilla, stir and serve
Recipe Video
I make a double batch and enjoy a cup on cold mornings. Although my kids enjoy it as much as I do so even a double batch doesn’t go very far anymore. I also tweak this same recipe for my Frozen Hot Chocolate, and I enjoy both with my Homemade marshmallows, fresh whipped cream or even my marshmallow frosting! What do you like with your hot chocolate?
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YUM! I have this bookmarked and definitely want to make it. 🙂
It really is terrific! I make it at least 3 times a week now! In fact we just had a batch tonight!
Christmas Eve 2016 I made this today and it is awesome. Simple but delicious. Will be my go to hot chocolate for the Grandkids!! Yum.
so glad to hear it!!! we make a batch every week!
Thank you for sharing! I will have to try this with the weather finally turning cold.
I hope you like it as much as we do! I make it a few times a week! I go through a lot more milk this way, but it’s the only time I drink milk, so I’m sure it’s good for me!
Mmmmh, today would be the perfect day to try this. Thanks for sharing!
It sure is! It’s snowing here!
Yummy, this is almost my same go-to hot chocolate recipe. The only addition to mine is a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
really? How fun! I do like to add stuff to mine, but the base is always the same. Try some pepper, chili or cayenne, sometime!
Yum! Thanks for the recipe
I hope you enjoy it!
Yum! My mom used to make this for us when we’d get home from school on cold snowy days. She’d also have buttered toast cut into strips to dip in it.
I haven’t tried buttered toast with hot chocolate! I’ll have to add that to my list! I like toffee, peppermints (candy canes), other crushed candybars, fun creamers, and sauces (hot fudge, caramel, etc…) with mine.
Ashlee, this was amazing! I made it today and my son-who is a hot chocolate expert-was thrilled! Thanks for the recipe.
I’m so glad you liked it! I have been making it for 7 years now and while I’ve tried other recipes I always come back to this one! LOVE it, and I’m glad you did too!
I LOVE hot chocolate!! Thanks for sharing this recipe! If you have a chance come link up next week at Ladybug Blessings Handmade Tuesdays! http://www.ladybug-blessings.com
This is a good one! I’ll try to remember to come by on Tuesday! Thanks for the invite!
YUM! I’m so ready for hot chocolate weather here!
I’m having a Christmas card giveaway on my blog. Stop by and enter!
I miss fall it went from late summer to early winter too soon for me! But Hot Chocolate does make it all better!
love love love this…i may have to steal (or borrow) this idea!!
xo
monica
Is there a way to borrow???? Steal all the recipes you want! I love it when someone likes something I make!
This sounds heavenly! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks.
Heavenly, that’s the perfect word! It really is divine! Best hot chocolate EVER!
How many “servings” would you say this recipe makes? I’m having a “Favorite Things” party next week and would like to make this for it. Thanks for the recipe! 🙂
It’s basically between 4-5 C. For me about 5 mugs. I have tripled it with success and I’m sure you can go larger. Just make sure to mix it well before serving as it tends to settle.
Do you usually use whole milk or 2% with his recipe? I’m making at least a quadruple batch for a gender reveal party this weekend! Looks so tasty!
I ONLY use whole milk, it’s the only thing I buy.
Tried it with 2% and it’s still amazing. I used Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa, too. Tassssttyyyy.
MMMMM I love the special dark, but my kids prefer the regular!
Yummmm!! Why bother buying pre-made packets when it doesn’t take that long to make this and it is a million times better?!
EXACTLY!!!!! doesn’t take any longer at all and hello deliciousness!
I like to use evaporated milk with mine and I also melt Andes mints in mine toppedtopped
with some marshmallows yum
Just found this on Pintrest. We had a very cold day of outside Xmas decorating and we needed hot chocolate. This was perfect and I had all ingredients on hand. Thanks for posting. I will be making it often this season!
I am so glad you enjoyed it! and that it fit into your Decorating day so well!
I just made this recipe today for my husband who was asking for hot cocoa on this blustery (60° San Diego) day. It was perfect, and I always have the dry ingredients on hand. I topped it with some homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I’m never buying the packets again. Thank you!
YAY! you totally made my day – that’s what I love to hear! (and if it get’s much warmer try my frozen hot chocolate 😉 )
Is the cocoa baking cocoa, so without sugar, or like a Nestle mix?
baking cocoa – kinda like your creating your own mix basically
Could this be made with soy milk instead? I have a friend coming over that is vegan.
Thanks!
I’m sure it could! it will just change the creaminess – but since she’s used to soy I’m sure it will be just fine
Hiii love this recipe and the marshmallow recipe too just want to ask how did you melt the marshmallows on top in that way
I just let them sit in the hot chocolate and melt! that’s all!
Hi how many coffee mugs full (servings) does this provide
depends on your mug size? it makes about 4 1/2 cups so 36 oz – so 3 if your using 12 oz mugs?
Oh. My. Goodness. You’re right, this is the best hot chocolate ever! I added a couple of drops of peppermint oil to my cup and it was AMAZING! Adding to the family recipe book for sure.
Mmmmm I like amaretto syrup too (like the kind you use in italian sodas) but peppermint is def a classic this time of year!
This recipe its amazing for people who are Chocoholics its a heavenly gift!!!!
amen – I’m all about creamy (not watery) chocolate in all forms!
This is definitely a recipe worth saving!! The girl I babysit wanted hot chocolate, but we couldn’t find the mix, so I’m so lucky I was able to find this recipe!! This is a lifesaver, and it’s so quick and easy! She loves it!
I’m so glad you liked it and that it worked out in a pinch! sounds like your a great babysitter!
Look like a delisss… must try!! Thx for recipe…
I make a few batches a week – def a favorite around here
Tonight was the first night I made this hot cocoa. I made it and tasted it and thought hmm. Why does this taste off? I sat in bed and checked the recipe again. Oh my. Forgot the vanilla. Added the vanilla and I cant stop drinking it now! Might have burnt my tongue due to how excited i was and how good it tasted. This is going in the books for a new Christmas tradition. Fresh homemade hot cocoa.
vanilla is a flavor enhancer so it’s amazing what a difference it makes! So glad you enjoyed it!!!
To store this, would you just pour it into a jug & refrigerate to reheat later? Not that I had any to spare, it was so good! But if I made a larger batch.
Yes refrigerating will work perfectly! I just reheat mine on the stove.