A rich and creamy homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe that is ready in minutes. Learn how to make real hot cocoa using staple kitchen ingredients.

A cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder next to another cup and marshmallows.

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Hey, hey, Valentina with Valentina’s Corner sharing our favorite classic Hot Cocoa.

Hot Chocolate Recipe:

Just like homemade Apple Cider, This hot chocolate recipe is a favorite during the cooler months. This is the easiest recipe and takes just minutes on the stove. Enjoy your warm mug of hot cocoa, the ULTIMATE cozy drink that everyone will love!

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate:

There are just 5 ingredients needed for a classic hot chocolate mix.

Cocoa powder – be sure it’s unsweetened
Sugar – add granulated sugar to your desired sweetness
Chocolate – melt in semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, chunks, or shavings for a rich chocolate flavor
Milk – we use whole milk for a creamier consistency and it incorporates chocolate better than skim milk.
Vanilla extract – use homemade vanilla for the best taste

For an extra rich and creamy hot cocoa: replace 1 cup of whole milk with a cup of half and half or heavy cream.

Hot chocolate ingredients on platter with sugar, milk and cocoa powder.

How to make Hot Chocolate:

In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, chocolate chunks, and vanilla.
Place over medium heat until steaming, whisking constantly to avoid burning the chocolate.
Cool to desired serving temperature and serve with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tip: Cocoa and chocolate can settle at the bottom of the pot. Avoid burning your homemade hot cocoa by cooking it over medium heat and stir continuously.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

Common Questions:

Does hot chocolate have caffeine?

Since unsweetened cocoa powder naturally contains, caffeine, hot cocoa does have some caffeine which can give you a little energy boost. One serving contains about 12 mg caffeine. For reference, a cup of black coffee has 95 mg caffeine and black tea can have 25-50mg caffeine.

Can I make Mexican Hot Chocolate?

To make Mexican hot chocolate, you need additional spices: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Also, use bittersweet chocolate.

Can I use store-bought hot cocoa mix?

You can omit the cocoa and sugar if using a pre-made cocoa mix. I would suggest using 4 packets or 4 servings according to the package instructions.