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In cold weather months, hot cocoa is a must and this homemade recipe never disappoints.
It’s creamy, chocolatey, and everything hot cocoa should be. Did I mention how easy it is to make, see for yourself in this video:
There’s nothing like a cup of homemade hot cocoa made with real cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It’s another reason we love the cold months!
I’ve experimented with a few recipes like the Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Strawberry Hot Chocolate– incredible, but the classic will always be #1 at my house!
How to Make Hot Chocolate
Let’s whip this up!
- First, combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring, until smooth.
- Add the 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 whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles- whatever you’re heart desires and enjoy!
Hot Cocoa Ingredients
I used to keep hot cocoa packets on hand for quick use on a cold day, but nothing compares to hot cocoa made with real cocoa powder. Unfortunately, the packets usually contain hydrogenated oils, preservatives, and corn syrup solids- bummer.
Thankfully, homemade hot cocoa is extremely easy to prepare with a few pantry staples such as unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
You can also batch make this recipe into your own DIY Hot Cocoa Mix, that way it’s on hand to stir into hot milk for a quick treat on a cold day.
Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredient Swaps
Although it is a treat, you can make it healthier without sacrificing taste.
Swap the sugar for 1/4 cup of honey, maple syrup, or 1/2 cup coconut sugar.
To make this a dairy-free hot chocolate, swap the regular milk with your favorite nut or soy milk. I’ve tried soy and almond milk, and both times it turned out delicious.
Hot Chocolate Toppings & Add-Ins
Toppings are a fun and delicious bonus for hot cocoa, and sometimes we like to go over the top! Whether you want to make hot cocoa for an afternoon treat or create a hot cocoa bar for a party, these topping ideas will be a hit.
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped peppermint
- Peppermint sticks, for stirring
Speaking of peppermint, add in a drop of peppermint extract for a copycat version of Starbuck’s peppermint hot chocolate.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
Nothing compares to homemade hot cocoa, and this recipe is so easy to make with unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: Snacks
Scale
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly 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.
Notes
- I’ve used both vanilla soymilk as well as almond milk to make this and both are delicious!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 37.7g
- Sodium: 687mg
- Fat: 0.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Carbohydrates: 40.4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9.3g
- Cholesterol: 4.9mg
What to Serve with Hot Chocolate
Healthy No-Bake Blondies – For a guilt-free snack, check out how these healthy blondies are made.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – What goes great with hot cocoa? Chocolate chip cookies of course! Check out my fool-proof recipe.
Healthy Desserts – Sip sip horray! Now it’s time to pick one of these healthy desserts to go with your hot cocoa.
Good recipe. Added cinnamon extract to mine instead of vanilla. Wonderful chocolate flavor, not too intense, just right. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Has anyone tried this using Stevie instead of sugar? I’m planning to make this for myself and kids, but sadly hubby won’t be able to drink due to the sugar.
This can definitely be made with stevia. I would swap the sugar called for in the recipe with 1-2 teaspoons of liquid stevia or to taste.
This is now my go to hit chocolate recipe!!
So glad you love it Krista!
Yikes ! Out of Vanilla extract ! ? It should be a crime. Could I get away with using almond extract ?
★★★★★
If you want a little almond flavor, sure! otherwise, omit. Enjoy!
Delicious! I follow the recipe exactly and I am not ever going use packets ever again. Thank you for keeping it simple!
★★★★★
Love this recipe I amped it up by using Hersey’s special dark chocolate and half and half. Topped with marshmallows!! This will be one of my favorites for sure.
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Cindy, that sounds amazing! I’ll have to test it out myself.
Excellent! Followed the recipe exactly. When done, I stopped with a dollop of cool whip! I’ll never buy powered cocoa mix again! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
★★★★★
I’m sure it was delicious!
Can you use buttermilk
If you like the taste of heated buttermilk, I don’t see why not. Enjoy Cheryl!
I’ve been using this recipe for the past three years and it’s by far the best recipe for hot chocolate that I’ve found. The ingredients are really simple and easy to get, and the recipe itself isn’t complicated. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. I cannot express how much I love this recipe, it’s become a tradition in my life to make this every winter!
★★★★★
I’m so glad!!
If I were to make this in Blendtec – using the soup button to heat it up – would I need to tweak it any. I thought maybe I wouldn’t need the water. Also, what difference would I expect in adding the vanilla before blending? I’m curious to know why you choose to add it at the end.
I haven’t tried this in my blendtec but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work! Brilliant! I add the vanilla at the end so it doesn’t “cook” off and I have more of a taste. You can definitely add it with everything else.
Vanilla is mostly alcohol so it evaporates if it is boiled. Adding it after is reccommended in any recipe that boils or is over heat.
best hot coco in the world
Absolutely the best. I added less than a 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract and it tasted even better. The peppermint made it taste and smell like hot cocoa and candy canes!!
Delicious!
I found this way too sweet the first time I made it, but of course my kids loved it! The second and third times, I cut the sugar in half and my kids still gobbled it up!
I love how easy this recipe is, and includes staples I always have on hand.
Thank you!
I added 2 tbsp of cream cheese to make it creamy and everyone loved it! (I also added some crushed up candy canes for more of a winter feel) thank you!!
I made this and tweaked it a bit by adding mini marshmallows and letting them melt into the chocolate before adding the milk. It’s delicious!!
what if you don’t have vanilla extract?
you can omit it.
what if you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder
Without cocoa powder, there is no “chocolate” in this recipe.
it was amazing
★★★★★
FANTASTIC! This is a fun activity for kids on a winter day :) Also tasty with coffee creamer.
Absolutely delicious!!! We used unsweetened coconut-almond milk and it was super creamy and rich.
★★★★★
Hello! Can I add ALL these ingredients to my cocomotion and get the same tasty result?
Hellom, I’ve never used a cocomotion machine but if it heats up, yes. Otherwise, in cold milk, the sugar will not dissolve.
Thank you for this recipe! And thanks to whoever suggested cutting the vanilla; at 1/4 tsp it’s delicious.
★★★★★
Instead of vanilla extract I tried almond and it was delicious! Excellent recipe!!
It’s mind blowing !!!!!
I added some cannabis chocolates it was delicious and I feel like I can’t feel feelings.
LOL I’m so glad you enjoyed this Jamie
Yammy!
First snow here made me wish for a warm chocolate!
Delicious!
Thank you for the recipe!
★★★★★
we just made this and my kids said it’s the best hot chocolate in the world!
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Absolutely delicious! I used a little less sugar and dark chocolate cocoa because I like dark chocolate. Love this.
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I threw a handful of chocolate chips in when i was melting the sugar and the cocoa together…. turned out good
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I just wanted to ask if I could substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar? Should I increase the amount of brown sugar to put into the cocoa mixture?
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You can sub an equal amount of brown sugar for regular sugar!
Love this recipe. Can you help me modify it for my weekly usage. I need it to be easy as pouring 1/3 of the prepared cocoa syrup into a cup and adding my nutmilk. Lets say 2 cups water. How much sugar, & cocoa? I use less salt and add a little vanilla extract for balance. I do not warm the milk in the pot. I put the cocoa syrup into the cup and blend in nutmilk as i prefer it not hot nor cold. I had been experimenting with cocoa syrups and keep it in a glass jar(an old french press pot coffee pot that lost its lids…lol) >_>. It keeps very well and pours nicely. Just a matter of blending in the milk at the moment of usage. It is my tranquility! Hope this is a time saver for you as well! Thank .you for sharing your great food adventures. I look forward to the newsletter.
★★★★★
I made this for my brother and I We LOVE it I am going to always make this and try out more recipes ..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Awesome! So happy you loved it!
Even years later, your post has found a new follower! I am thankful to stumble upon your homemade hot chocolate recipe as I have wanted to make it from scratch for a few years and just never tried it out! It was delicious :)
A lot of people are saying it had to much vanilla so i tried peppermint extract and loved it!! definitely recommend trying it especially with holidays coming up. even if youre not a pepermint fan its worth trying.
I made this last year. 10/15 and it’s been a rainy cold day. I lost where I had written it down, but luckily was able to find your site again this year. Great easy recipe that makes a super rich chocolatey hot cocoa. Made 9/16. Gonna write it down again :) thank you.
★★★★★
thanks for coming back to try our recipes!
I made this for visiting company and they raved about it. Made me make it every night for a week…
★★★★★
Don’t you love recipes like that??
So it is good but I just wanted to make like 1/5 of it for my son and it should have converstions on the side to make 1 serving
we always make it for our family every year It is awesome
I have it with my family every year it is awesome
★★★★★
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp hot water
Few grains of salt salt
1 cup milk (I use soymilk)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
:)
★★★★★
Ah thanks, I been wanting a one cup recipe..Thanks
Takes only some very basic math to convert this recipe for 1/4 of a serving – more than a 5th, but you can just drink the little left over yourself :)
There are 16 tablespoons in a cup, so 4 tablespoons in 1/4 cup. The measurements would be as follows:
1 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 tbsp. sugar
~1.5 tbsp. hot water
Pinch of salt
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract (or just a drop of two)
I know the math says 2 tbsp of sugar for 1 cup, but I feel thats too much sugar for a single cup. 2-3 tsp (i.e. 1 tbsp) of sugar should be more than enough and very sweet for a single cup. I think this original recipe (for 4 servings) calls for too much of sugar.
I loved this recipe! :) I made it for my family and they loved it, it was really easy to make and im 11 years old! Thanks!
★★★★★
This is a good recipe. It’s the Hershey’s cocoa recipe, so you should probably credit Hershey’s for the recipe. The way it’s written makes it sound like you developed it. I’ve been making this for decades (and my mom before that!)
This recipe is AWSOME it works really well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) This calls for five STARS
★★★
Just made this for my boys for an after school treat and they loved it!
Thank you so much, we will make this again for sure!
★★★★★
It worked really well! It’s also really easy to make, cause I’m just 11!
★★★★★
Awesome!!
My favourite recipe.
I increased the cocoa – reduced the sugar and added a bit of mint extract. I had this last winter (2014) and fell in love, then I went lactose intolerant. I was upset. Now I discovered lactose free milk and i am thrilled to bits my favourite hot chocolate can be enjoyed again.
★★★★★
That’s amazing!
This is a good base recipe. It emulsifies the cocoa and sugar much better than other recipes I have tried. You still have to stir a bit when distributing. I found that it was too strong (sweet) so I added more milk. I also found that there was way too much vanilla called for in the recipe. Maybe a 1/4 teaspoon would do nicely?
★★★
Can’t believe this is getting such good reviews. Did anyone make this? We did and it wasn’t that good. Too much cocoa & not enough sugar I think.
I made this and I love it, Only thing is I put in 1/2 Tbs and about 50 ml of cinnamon and it was just amazing
★★★★★
try this
1 quart 1/2 & 1/2
6 regular hershy bars
incorperate in sauce pan-do not boil
ingrediants are proportional
easy recipe and kid approved!
Other than the fact that the recipe makes so much, it was the best recipe I’ve ever used to make hot chocolate.
I am glad you enjoyed it! It makes 4 servings, you are right.. but you can save it for later!
Excellent recipe, but I found it to be too sweet. I use half the sugar and it’s perfect! Even with skim milk it turns out great.
★★★★★
This is by far the best hot cocoa recipe I’ve ever had. I used Ghirardelli Sweet Cocoa and doubled the amount of cocoa and cut the amount of sugar in half and it was seriously the best hot cocoa I’ve ever drank. This is definitely my new go-to cocoa recipe. Its perfectly sweet, creamy and chocolatey without being too sweet or too bitter. Some cocoa recipes are bitter or sickening, but this one I can just drink easily. Thanks so much!
★★★★★
This was a huge hit with my family! We used unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder and LOVED it! I will never buy the store bought crap again. Thank you for sharing.
I tried this and accidentally dranknthe entire batch. It was amazing. I only made half of the batch and added about three drops of peppermint. I have tried a lot of different types of hot cocoa and this is by far the best.
★★★★★
This got rave reviews from all my friends! Making it again tonight for our christmas party! Thanks!!
★★★★★
I used 1/4 cup maple syrup instead of the sugar and added 1/4 tsp cinnamon as well. It was delicious and perfectly sweet! Thank you for the recipe!
I’d love to make this mix in 8-9 mason jars as gifts. Do you have the recipe estimate for a mix and not a single serve cup? Thanks!
it is really good i made it with powdered milk and it still tasted good
Yum! This was SO good! I made it for my kids when a cold front came in and they fell in love! Great recipe!
Yum. This was delicious. Made it with coconut milk. Good with coffee tequila!
★★★★★
Yum. Good with coffee tequila!
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awesome idea. Thx
I just made this and OMGSH it is soooooo good! I added a drop of orange extract to my cup and it tastes even better. Thank you for sharing!!!!!
★★★★★
Taste nice. Love it. Thanks for sharing❤️❤️
This was delicious! Thank you! :)
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Sorry, but I had to comment, it’s not often you come across another Bri!
Your welcome
This hot cocoa recipe is delicious. It is exactly how you expect hot chocolate to taste when reading The Polar Express ~ Chris Van Allsburg. Creamy, sweet, deep chocolate flavor – any thicker it may be like melted chocolate before poured into a mold. I used coconut milk and Dagoba organic unsweetened cocoa powder. Thanks! It has been snowing for days over here and i needed an alternative from the boxed bags. Love it!
★★★★★
great recipe, but I prefer less sugar. I will use this.
Totally enjoyed this recipe! Thanks!
I was hesitating as to whether I should try this recipe or not, as my first attempt at re-creating this delicious recipe was horrendous. I’ve got to say – this was delicious! Exactly the way I was craving. 5 stars for sure! ♥
★★★★★
How do u make this for one serving help!
Divide ingredients by 4.
I loved it I have no vanilla so I used orange but it was so so so so so good
★★★★★
Absolutely perfect! I added half a teaspoon of peppermint extract and it reminds me of Starbucks’ peppermint hot chocolate. Perfect for winter time! (Or turning the air conditioner waaaaaaay down in order to excuse having this drink with Florida’s climate!)
Delicious! I cut the recipe in half and added 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. It was amazing!
★★★★★
I made this for my kids and they loved it. Thanks
As with others here, we didn’t have any hot chocolate mix in the house. My wife was out shopping and the kids and I wanted hot chocolate. I never cook anything so I just searched for this recipe and thought to try yours. I used 1/8 cup regular baking cocoa and 1/8 Hershey’s Dark baking cocoa. I also used 4 cups whole milk. Turned out really well. I tried adding a couple drops of peppermint extract but can’t really tell it’s in there so more might be needed to get the desired effect. Thanks!
★★★★★
so glad you found our recipe and that you took charge and made this for you and the kids while your wife was out shopping. way to go!
I have those same exact mugs. LOL! I make hot chocolate similar to this but with maple syrup instead of sugar, may sound odd, but it’s really awesome. Always love your great ideas and beautiful photos! :)
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As always with your recipes, a great success!!! Delicious! I’m so glad I can use almond milk!
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Awesome!
This sounds awesome & can’t wait to try it! Is there any chance that you have a “recipe” or recommendation for making chocolate milk without using the store bought powders???
You know I do Michel! here you go: https://www.momables.com/homemade-chocolate-syrup/
My mom never bought hot cocoa mix from the store. From an early age we were taught to make our own. Single serving 1 spoon unsweetened baking cocoa, 2 spoons sugar, dash of salt, splash of vanilla. Mix together and add hot water from the tea kettle. Add milk or half and half to make it creamy and help cool it down.
★★★★★
sounds delish Katie!
Living in Alaska, we drink a lot of cocoa. I usually make a bunch of the mix up and keep it in an airtight jar. Before using we give the jar a couple of shakes to mix the dry ingredients up and viola’ done in a flash.
I made some last night and I have the other half in my fridge in a jar! that’s too funny. :)
OMG, this was so quick and easy, I don’t think I will ever purchase Swiss Miss again. The kids loved it, and I even had little marshmallows to put on top! I made the recipe exactly as is, and it gets 5 stars from this momma!
★★★★★
I love this recipe! It taists so good! I dont think the store bought brand will ever taist the same :)
let alone ever be my favorite!
★★★★★
Me and the kiddos decided to try this. I must say it’s a little sweet, but we have a dentist appt. at 4 pm on Monday, so we’re all good to go. Little Roger really enjoyed the sweetness, while my precious twins, Sofia and Kimmy enjoyed the bitter chocolate I chopped and sprinkled on top. I even gave some to the hubby after a long Black Friday. He’s so sweet for giving me a foot massage after the long hours at the mall. My little cutie Jedidiah asked where we were and we told him we were meeting with Santa over some AWESOME momables hot cocoa!!! LOL love the recipe! Def sharing it with the fam on xmas!!!
★★★★★
O.M.G! Just made this for me and the kiddos…. Used 2cups heavy cream and 2cups whole milk…. Added a pinch, of cinnamon to step 2 and forgot to add the vanilla, but i didnt even miss it! Kudos to the GREAT recipe!
I add cream of wheats to this add enough for 5 cups comes out great cocoa wheats. Since they have stopped selling cocoa wheats due to the cost of making it is much higher. Enjoy
★★★★★
GREAT IDEA!
yummmmm. I had forgotten about those
I made this tonight with my nephew, it was so easy and absolutely delicious!!
★★★★★
As others have said, wanted hot chocolate and didn’t have mix. This was perfect!! And much more reasonable than the Food Network ones made with heavy cream.
Thanks!
★★★★★
So glad you liked them Angie!
Thank you! The whole family love it. My girls are already planning to make this for Santa. I used organic cane sugar instead.
★★★★★
Santa will love it!
I was craving hot chocolate, but had no mix. I went searching online and found many different recipes. This one turned out to be one of the best! Even better than Martha Stewarts! I love the way it came out! Hands down better than mix! From now on when my family and I want hot chocolate, we will be using your recipe! Thanks a million for sharing it!
★★★★★
Oh my goodness this recipe is fabulous! I made it today- at 11 pm! haha!- and I didn’t think I’d like it but WOW!!! I sure was surprised! Every cold day will now be made warmer because I have this recipe under my belt :)
I like to add some espresso powder, chocolate chips, and a dash of cinnamon into my HC and this was an AMAZING idea!!!!
This is the best recipe ever
Thanks Kennedy!
how many servings is this???
the recipe says it yields 5 cups. The number of servings will depend on the size of the mug.
its awesome! i like it !!!
Im going to try this recipe! Chad and I were talking about how bad we wanted hot cocoa for this weather but didn’t have any mix…. this is awesome! xoxo
let me know how you two love birds like it! :)
With the cooler temps moving in, I was craving a good hot cocoa recipe. This one hit the spot. I truly appreciate it. The only small tweak I made was I reducing the sugar to 1/3 of a cup, instead of the 1/2 of a cup, that the recipe calls for. I use organic cane sugar, which I find to be sweeter then refined white sugar. This recipe is also a favorite of my two little granddaughters when visiting mamaw’s house. Thank you so much, and God bless you and yours in the new year of 2020.
★★★★★
Thank you, Patricia! I’m glad it was a hit!
i just surprised my kids with this cocoa after school today and it is so good! I’ve never made my own before, but this is so much better than a mix! Thanks
Awesome!!!