Homemade Hot Cocoa – The Best Hot Chocolate Recipe Ever!

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? Scroll down and I’ll show you how it’s done in a quick video, or you can print the recipe for later at the bottom of the page.

overhead view of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows on top

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!

Did you know there’s technically a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, the former is made with cocoa powder, while hot chocolate is made with actual chocolate!

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.

Make Next: Caramel Hot Cocoa

Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredient Swaps

Although it is a treat, you can make it healthier without sacrificing taste.

Sugar
Swap the sugar for ¼ cup of honey, maple syrup, or ½ cup coconut sugar.

Dairy-free milk
Swap the regular milk with your favorite nut or soy milk to make this dairy-free. I’ve tried soy and almond milk, and it turned out delicious both times.

Want an epic dessert to pair with your healthier hot cocoa? You’ve got to try one of the recipes from my latest cookbook

Clean Treats Cookbook

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Dutch Process vs. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder is slightly more acidic than Dutch-processed cocoa, giving it a sharper flavor. As far as hot cocoa goes, you can use both, but the taste will differ.

Hot cocoa made with unsweetened cocoa powder will have a richer flavor, while Dutch processed tastes flatter and usually needs to be offset with more sugar and full-fat milk.

Not sure how to tell the difference? A quick scan on the label should indicate whether it’s regular or Dutch powder.

Why Do You Add Vanilla at the End?

Vanilla is like alcohol and usually made with it, and it evaporates and cooks down when heated. When you’re making this 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.

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
Caramel sauce drizzle
Peppermint sticks, for stirring

Speaking of peppermint, add in a drop of peppermint extract for a copycat version of Starbuck’s peppermint hot chocolate.