Description
This Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is a rich and creamy beverage perfect for warming up on chilly days. Made with whole milk, cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate, and a touch of vanilla, it offers a decadent chocolate flavor topped with homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Hot Chocolate
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, milk chocolate)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- Homemade whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the milk, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder to a medium saucepan to prepare the base for your hot chocolate.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk occasionally. Heat until the mixture just starts to bubble around the edges, being careful not to let it boil to avoid burning or curdling the milk.
- Add Chocolate and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat momentarily to add the bittersweet chocolate and pure vanilla extract. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and velvety.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate evenly into 4 small mugs. Top each cup with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream and serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Stir constantly while heating to prevent the milk from scorching.
- Adjust sugar amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet hot chocolate.
- For dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Homemade whipped cream can be made by whipping heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form.
