November 4, 2020
updated
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This amazing dairy-free hot cocoa is just as rich and creamy as classic hot chocolate. You won’t have to sacrifice flavor or that perfectly smooth cocoa that you love with this recipe.
Once you make this recipe, you won’t go back to those store-bought packets of hot cocoa mix with mystery ingredients.

With unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and dairy-free milk, you can make a great cup of dairy-free hot chocolate that everyone will enjoy. Plus, you can even use this recipe to make your own homemade hot chocolate mix so you have easy cocoa access on a whim!
Does Hot Chocolate Have Dairy?
Most hot chocolate recipes will use some form of dairy, whether it’s from milk or powdered milk. However, this recipe proves you can make a delicious cup of hot chocolate using your favorite non-dairy milk alternatives.
Unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract make this warm drink so rich and flavorful, the choice of milk is an afterthought.
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Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa
Thankfully, this homemade hot cocoa is easy to prepare on the stove-top with a few pantry staples. Here’s how to make it:
- First, combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring until smooth.
- Add the non-dairy milk and continue to stir over medium heat, be sure not to boil.
- Once the cocoa has reached the desired temperature, remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and pour into mugs.
- Top with marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles- whatever you’re heart desires!
Making Rich & Creamy Hot Cocoa with No Milk
Whether you run out of milk or have a dairy-free family member, this hot chocolate will not disappoint. To make a cup of this chocolatey goodness, you’ll need:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated white sugar
- Hot water
- Salt
- Non-dairy milk
- Vanilla extract
Vanilla is like alcohol and usually made with it, and it evaporates and cooks down when heated. When you’re making this dairy free hot cocoa recipe, you add the vanilla last because the vanilla will evaporate and the taste will not be as strong, or it could completely disappear if you add it too early.
If you want to make this treat a little more clean eating friendly, swap the granulated white sugar for coconut sugar or turbinado. It will change the flavor slightly but is no doubt just as good.
Now that you know how to make dairy-free hot cocoa, why not take the next step and make your own hot cocoa powder mix? It’s incredibly easy, healthier than store-bought, and much more cost-effective. A total win.
Best Milk Alternatives for Hot Chocolate
I’ve used many milk alternatives to make this hot chocolate, and so far, the three options below have yielded the best results.
- Oat milk- super creamy!
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
Coconut milk is often brought up as a good option, but my family isn’t fond of anything coconut in their hot cocoa. Nonetheless, it does make delicious hot chocolate with a velvety texture.
Rich & Creamy Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup hot water
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dairy-free whipped topping, optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt over medium heat.
- Cook, constantly stirring until smooth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, and stir in the milk, do not boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Rebekah McGregor
My girls are severely allergic to milk! This is a great recipe for a rainy afternoon! They loved it! Thank you!
MOMables - Laura
I’m thrilled your girls enjoyed this dairy-free hot cocoa!
Colleen
I need a dairy free option for a work party — could I make this in advance and warm it in a crock pot?
MOMables-Laura
Yes, you can make it ahead and keep it warm in a crockpot.
Betty
Hi Laura,
Since I’m the only DF person in my house (although the rest of the gang will probably love it!) do you think this recipe will hold up in the fridge? I can probably cut the recipe in half or fourths to make it just for me, but am wondering about making the full batch and saving some for later. What do you think?
MOMables-Laura
Hi Betty, totally! It should last up to 3 days.
Jenna
I made this. I can’t believe this is a non dairy hot chocolate recipe with basic ingredients! I also added cool whip as a non dairy topping like you. It was awesome
MOMables-Laura
Glad you liked it Jenna!
Kimmy
this dairy free hot cocoa is simply the best!!! I love adding the dairy free coconut whipped topping from the grocery store. Perfect combination!