I’m not even kidding when I call this the World’s BEST Hot Chocolate Recipe. It is everything hot cocoa should be; Creamy, rich with a great flavor. This homemade hot chocolate is the essence of coming home from a cold day.
How I created this Hot Chocolate Recipe
Today it rained, it was MARVELOUS (As a born and raised Oregonian I LOVE the rain)! The leaves have all changed colors and there was a beautiful mist over the mountains.
I love fall. I don’t like being too hot or too cold, I’m 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 missed my favorite foods that they don’t have over there. That’s how I got into from scratch cooking – learning to make food that I couldn’t get overseas.
So when I was missing hot chocolate I started trying various recipes, mixing and matching until I was happy with the results.
Now I do not like watery hot chocolate. So I knew it needed to be made with milk. And I already had my Hot Fudge recipe that I loved so I used my understanding about blooming Cocoa to my advantage as I created the final recipe.
Now I make a double batch every week and enjoy a cup on cold mornings. I like to add my Homemade Marshmallows of course – they have this great creamy effect as they melt.
I also tweak this same recipe for my Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe. You can also serve it with fresh whipped cream or my homemade marshmallow fluff or my marshmallow frosting! What do you like with your hot chocolate?
Just take me to the Hot Cocoa Recipe already!
If you’d rather skip my tips and tricks for homemade hot chocolate, along with links to other winter recipes and get straight to this delicious drink – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.
Tips to Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate
By boiling the cocoa and water at the beginning your actually Blooming the cocoa. This breaks up clumps, thickens the liquid and most important releases flavor particles in the powder and results in a much richer flavor.
This is the reason most chocolate cakes add boiling water to the mixture and why I dissolve my cocoa in boiling water and let it sit for a few mins in my chocolate cake recipe.
Once the cocoa has bloomed and the full flavor has been released now you want to add the rest of your liquid and bring it up to heat. I use whole milk – for me hot chocolate should always be made with milk, not water.
You don’t need to, and shouldn’t, bring it back to a boil. Now you just heat it to the temperature you like to drink your cocoa at. Once it’s up to tempurature add the vanilla.
The vanilla is essential for enhancing the flavor and I can always tell if I accidentally forgot it when I taste it. You don’t want to add it early as the boiling and heating process would actually make most of the vanilla evaporate so it should be the last thing you add before serving.
I refrigerate any left overs – but the chocolate and milk does separate after a while so make sure to shake it up or stir it really good before reserving!
The World’s BEST Hot Chocolate
If you love this homemade hot chocolate as much as I do, I’d love a 5 star review. Be sure to share on social media and tag me if you make it @ashleemariecakes! If you want to stay updated on new recipes sign up for my newsletter and join my Facebook Group!
If you love Hot Chocolate you’ll love these other winter drink recipes!
Warm Pumpkin Pie Drink | Hot Butterbeer | Homemade Eggnog
And these other decadent chocolate treats
Chocolate Cake | Chocolate Cheesecake | Chocolate Lava Cake
Connect with Ashlee Marie!
To watch me make this Hot Chocolate along with 2 other fall drinks play the video in the recipe card (if you’re on desktop, a short teaser video should be auto playing for you).
You can find all my cooking show style recipe videos on YouTube, or my short recipe videos on Facebook Watch, or my Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
The worlds BEST Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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
Video
Nutrition
- Easter Egg Pinata Cake with Chocolate Nest – recipe and video - April 8, 2020
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie - February 3, 2020
- Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto Recipe - February 1, 2020
Brooke @ The Crafting Chicks
YUM! I have this bookmarked and definitely want to make it. 🙂
Ashlee
It really is terrific! I make it at least 3 times a week now! In fact we just had a batch tonight!
Pamela Porter
I just wanted a coca recipe and your’s is the first one with a reasonable amount of calories I found. I looked around at the pictures of other things you make. You are truly an artist. I imagine your children clean their plates just to get dessert. I’ve never seen anything as cute as the children’s things you make. What fun. 😁
Ashlee Marie
you are so sweet! thank you so very much!!!
Dog_mom101
I am going to make a some tonight thank you so much for sharing the recipe! If you ever want to know how I make my frozen hot chocolate Just ask I will tell you 😆
Ashlee Marie
thx but I make my own frozen hot chocolate!
Gale
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.
Ashlee
so glad to hear it!!! we make a batch every week!
bob smit
I love you Gale
Chris
Thank you for sharing! I will have to try this with the weather finally turning cold.
Ashlee
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!
texttussi @ Pins & Pens
Mmmmh, today would be the perfect day to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Ashlee
It sure is! It’s snowing here!
Danielle
Absolutely love this recipe! We’ve made it two days in a row now. Thank you so much for the share!!
[email protected]
Yummy, this is almost my same go-to hot chocolate recipe. The only addition to mine is a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
Ashlee
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!
cristie
Yum! Thanks for the recipe
Ashlee
I hope you enjoy it!
Emmylou Hart
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.
Ashlee
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.
Charlene
I love Cinnamon toast with my hot chocolate. So yummy and comforting!
Ashlee Marie
that makes sense, since I like cinnamon in my hot chocolate! (I like vanilla sugar on my toast)
Nancy
Ashlee, this was amazing! I made it today and my son-who is a hot chocolate expert-was thrilled! Thanks for the recipe.
Ashlee
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!
Kristen
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
Ashlee
This is a good one! I’ll try to remember to come by on Tuesday! Thanks for the invite!
Shannon
YUM! I’m so ready for hot chocolate weather here!
I’m having a Christmas card giveaway on my blog. Stop by and enter!
Ashlee
I miss fall it went from late summer to early winter too soon for me! But Hot Chocolate does make it all better!
monica
love love love this…i may have to steal (or borrow) this idea!!
xo
monica
Ashlee
Is there a way to borrow???? Steal all the recipes you want! I love it when someone likes something I make!
Amy
This sounds heavenly! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks.
Ashlee
Heavenly, that’s the perfect word! It really is divine! Best hot chocolate EVER!
alisha
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! 🙂
Ashlee
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.
Stacey
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!
Ashlee
I ONLY use whole milk, it’s the only thing I buy.
Summer
Tried it with 2% and it’s still amazing. I used Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa, too. Tassssttyyyy.
Ashlee
MMMMM I love the special dark, but my kids prefer the regular!
Summer
Yummmm!! Why bother buying pre-made packets when it doesn’t take that long to make this and it is a million times better?!
Ashlee
EXACTLY!!!!! doesn’t take any longer at all and hello deliciousness!
Tracy
I like to use evaporated milk with mine and I also melt Andes mints in mine toppedtopped
with some marshmallows yum
Shelley
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!
Ashlee
I am so glad you enjoyed it! and that it fit into your Decorating day so well!
Megan Garcia
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!
Ashlee
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 😉 )
April
Is the cocoa baking cocoa, so without sugar, or like a Nestle mix?
Ashlee
baking cocoa – kinda like your creating your own mix basically
Hannah
Could this be made with soy milk instead? I have a friend coming over that is vegan.
Thanks!
Ashlee
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
Nour
Hiii love this recipe and the marshmallow recipe too just want to ask how did you melt the marshmallows on top in that way
Ashlee
I just let them sit in the hot chocolate and melt! that’s all!
Ashley
Hi how many coffee mugs full (servings) does this provide
Ashlee
depends on your mug size? it makes about 4 1/2 cups so 36 oz – so 3 if your using 12 oz mugs?
Gemma
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.
Ashlee
Mmmmm I like amaretto syrup too (like the kind you use in italian sodas) but peppermint is def a classic this time of year!
Armando
This recipe its amazing for people who are Chocoholics its a heavenly gift!!!!
Ashlee
amen – I’m all about creamy (not watery) chocolate in all forms!
Maggie
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!
Ashlee
I’m so glad you liked it and that it worked out in a pinch! sounds like your a great babysitter!
Jeannine
My mom used to make us hot chocolate with our breakfast before school. Eggs, toast and hot chocolate. These days I like – and I know this is odd – popcorn with it. Just eat the popcorn and sip the chocolate. Sometimes I put some in the hot chocolate. It really is good, I promise!
Ashlee Marie
I love chocolate with popcorn so that totally makes sense to me!
Ashae
Are those homemade marshmallows and do you have the recipe for those, because they look like a delicious addition🤔😏
Ashlee Marie
100% homemade https://ashleemarie.com/homemade-marshmallows/
David
Look like a delisss… must try!! Thx for recipe…
Ashlee
I make a few batches a week – def a favorite around here
Lauren
I’m addicted. I will now never make hot chocolate any other way!
Ashlee Petrilli
This is officially my absolute favorite hot chocolate recipe!! And I LOVE hot chocolate! We use almond milk because we don’t drink dairy, but it’s still SOOO good!!!
Ashlee, I watched the video on your 3 fall drinks and I’m curious if there’s a nondairy, no soy alternative to the heavy whipping cream? That pumpkin drink looks incredible and I’m tempt d to mix it with the hot chocolate 😁
Ashlee Marie
I am an all dairy gal, so I honestly don’t really know what non dairy options are out there that are similar to heavy whipping cream – I am so sorry!
Terri
Can you refrigerate a large batch overnight and then reheat in a crockpot for a large party?
Ashlee Marie
totally! just stir as it will separate overnight.
Shanti
Wow! Just Wow! I pin a lot of recipes but the ones that blow my socks off get put in my old fashioned recipe box and this one was PHENOMENAL! And when the hubby loves it too BONUS lol Thank you so much! 🤗😎☕
Ashlee Marie
yay! I’m so glad you AND your hubby like it!
Karin
I like the idea of cooking the sugar, cocoa and water first so it’s smooth. But is 1/4 c. cocoa enough to make in chocolaty? (Is that a word). In other recipes I’ve tried, I’ve used 1/3 c. cocoa and a 12 oz pkg of chocolate chips, but to 8 cups of milk. Just asking for your opinion.
Ashlee Marie
by boiling the water and cocoa the chocolate blooms and gives you a richer flavor. but you can totally add actual chocolate as well. It more chocolatey than packets but not as chocolatey as a french hot chocolate.
Janell Campbell
Made this around Halloween. Was so good and everyone raved! I’m going to bring this to work for a hot cocoa bar. Have you made it ahead of time before? Does it reheat well? Thanks!
Ashlee Marie
yes I do it all the time. It refrigerates and reheats beautifully
Amanda
Love this! I use equal parts cocoa and powdered creamer 🙂 and for the milk, I use half evaporated milk half regular! Delish!
Laura Garrett
Just made this today and really enjoyed it! So much better than packet mixes! Thanks for the recipe!
Ashlee Marie
I’m so glad to hear that! thank you
Pam Collins
This recipe is delicious!
Kateri
I love this recipe! I tried it today and is definitely the best I’ve ever had! How many cups do you think one batch would make? I have young cousins coming over and wondered if I would need to make a double batch??
Ashlee Marie
it makes about 5 cups, so 10 8 oz servings
R
I was skimming Pinterest for a good homemade hot chocolate recipe using ingredients I have around the house. I came across this one and was not disappointed! This was the best hot chocolate. I will never buy packaged hot chocolate again! I added a scoop of peanut butter and let it melt before pouring into my cup and topped it with marshmallows… perfect! Thanks for sharing!!
Ashlee Marie
oh DANG now I need to make another batch and add peanut butter!
Annette Morrison
I rarely want hot chocolate so maybe once a year I use a mix. Today I desperately wanted some hot chocolate, had no mix, and this recipe popped up. It tastes like a liquid brownie!!! Thank you for this recipe!
Ashlee Marie
I am so glad you liked it! It’s def worth making and obviously a favorite of ours!
Jenna Carey
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.
Ashlee Marie
vanilla is a flavor enhancer so it’s amazing what a difference it makes! So glad you enjoyed it!!!
Ava
This is the best hot cholate so good and not watery
Ashlee Marie
so glad you liked it!
Bella
This is amazing! Made with 2% milk just because I didn’t feel like making a trip to the store (lazy… I know) and it turned out super yummy! Will def have to try with whole milk next time!
Ashlee Marie
I only ever use whole milk – but use whatever milk you like best!
Lorie
How would you make this for a crowd? We are having an open house for the town holiday happenings at our office. People will be in and out and we need the perfect hot chocolate recipe. Could you put it into a large coffee pot for dispensing? Would appreciate your input.
Ashlee Marie
I don’t have a coffee pot since I don’t drink coffee but anything made to hold liquid at a set temp would work. A crockpot would work too.
Haley
This is literally the best thing I’ve ever had! Never going to buy packets again. But what about storing it? I made some and I was the only one drinking it at the time but my husband wanted to have some later that night. Can it be refrigerated and re-heated? Or left out? Thanks so much for the recipe!
Ashlee Marie
you can totally refrigerate the extra and reheat, I do it all the time and just a mug in the morning for myself!
Kathy
Will this keep for a few days if I don’t use it all?
Ashlee Marie
yup! just keep the extra in the fridge
Layla
Hi just wondering if for some reason you don’t finish it all can you put it in the fridge and reheat the next day?
Ashlee Marie
100% yes! I do it all the time!
Sara
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.
Ashlee Marie
Yes refrigerating will work perfectly! I just reheat mine on the stove.
Kim
What would the ratio for ingredients be if I wanted to make 6 cups?
Ashlee Marie
just use the slide tool under the “servings” in the recipe card
Leslie
Making this tonight! Super excited!
Brenda
My new favorite recipe and my kids really, really enjoyed it! Thank you!
Jennifer
Good but maybe reduce the sugar by half especially of you plan to mix with Bailey’s.
Samantha
I tried this recipe , everyone loved it !
Dog_mom101
It sounds sooooo good!!!! I have been carving homemade hot cocoa!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️
Reba
I’ve made this a couple times now for my husband and kids, they LOVE it!!! Thank you for such a wonderful recipe ☕️
Ashlee Marie
you are so welcome
Amy Cronin
I’ve been doing keto since November, and this recipe has been great! I make a quadruple batch of the dry ingredients and add 3 T of the mix to 1/4 c of heavy cream mixed with 3/4 c hot vanilla almond milk and a dash of vanilla. YUM!
Ashlee Marie
This sounds amazing! I love the almond milk. My brother in law (also doing keto) loves this recipe too.
Rebecca
This is good, but cut the salt by half. Thanks for posting!
Ashlee Marie
Everyone has their own salt that they can handle, I honestly double it at home! But the best part of cooking from scratch is being able to personalize it to your own preferences
[email protected]
Wow this was awesome..!
Ashlee Marie
Thank you so very much!
Paula
I made this tonight. I added one cup of sweet cream coffee creamer and then three cups of milk instead of straight four cups of milk. I finished with marshmallow creme at the end so it melted into Oblivion. Oh. Heck. Yes! We loved it! I think we’ll be making this again and again. Thanks!
Ashlee Marie
I’m so glad you loved it! and I bet that change with the coffee creamer was yummy. I love homemade marshmallows cause they melt all thick and creamy, going straight to marshmallow creme is a great way to go!
Dianna
Just made this for my family tonight. Oh YUM!!! Can’t wait to make this for the guys at work. Thank you for sharing something so wonderful!
Ashlee Marie
It’s hard to explain to people how worth it is to make – they are like – what’s the difference in this and powdered hot chocolate… SO MUCH! So glad you enjoyed it as much as we do!
Sheila
Hello
We are going to try your recipe for hot chocolate and the homemade marshmellows, do you have a crockpot recipe?.
Ashlee Marie
no, because the cocoa needs to bloom so you need the act of boiling it for the right flavor. BUT once you’ve boiled the cocoa, sugar/salt/water you could add it to the crockpot with the milk for heating – just remember to add the vanilla too and stir often since it separates easily.
Norma
Made this for the first time, SO GOOD. Definitely making again. Thank you.
Kristen
I made this hot chocolate for the first time 3 years ago and it has now become our Christmas tradition with my step kids to make with our Christmas breakfast every year! They lovvvve it! I am actually getting ready to start making it now. Merry Christmas everyone!
Ashlee Marie
So glad you love it as much as we do!!!
Emma Morgan
can you save the hot chocolate for later; like in the fridge or something or is it like a one day thing that won’t be as good later?
Ashlee Marie
totally! it will separate in the fridge, just remix it up and reheat! I do it all the time