Homemade Hot Chocolate
on Nov 27, 2023
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Hot chocolate is one of my all-time favorite holiday treats because it’s the perfect cozy drink to enjoy during the colder months ❄️. Whether you want to impress your guests or treat your family to a delicious cup of hot chocolate, I’m here to show you how to make it in 10 minutes using wholesome, simple ingredients right from your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Hot Chocolate
Say goodbye to hot chocolate powder mixes that contain mysterious preservatives and additives. This homemade hot chocolate ☕️ is not only rich and creamy but uses simple, clean ingredients for a guilt-free experience.
This recipe is also extremely easy to prepare and completely customizable. While the addition of vanilla is a game-changer, it’s definitely not a must! You can adjust this recipe to your taste preferences and make it entirely your own. If you’re looking to add some extra holiday cheer, consider adding your favorite alcohol to make an adult-friendly version 🥴.
How to Prepare Homemade Hot Chocolate
🥛 Combine milk, sugar, vanilla seeds (pod included), and salt in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is steaming but not boiling.
🥣 Place the chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl, and ladle in about a cup or so of the steaming milk into the bowl of chopped chocolate. Let this sit for about a minute before gently stirring to melt completely. Stir another ladle of milk into the bowl to make it easier to combine the chocolate mixture with the remaining milk.
🍫 Reduce the heat to low and gently whisk in the melted chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is incorporated, and the mixture is homogenous. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod.
☕️ Carefully ladle the vanilla hot chocolate into 4 mugs. Garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or dust the tops with cocoa powder and enjoy!
Nonna’s Tip
To split a vanilla bean, place the pod onto a cutting board. Hold one of the ends of the vanilla bean on the board. With a sharp paring knife, cut the bean in half lengthwise. Run the back of the paring knife against both halves of the bean to scrape out the seeds.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to make this recipe your own. Here are a few suggestions:
- Instead of whole milk 🥛, feel free to use dairy alternatives such as soy, oat, coconut, cashew or almond milk.
- For a more decadent hot chocolate, replace 1/2 cup (125ml) of the milk with cream (10% to 35%).
- If vanilla bean is not available, 1 tablespoon 🥄 of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste can be substituted.
- Add in a few drops of peppermint extract or garnish with crushed peppermint candy for a minty twist.
- Consider making this homemade hot chocolate recipe with different types of chocolate 🍫 such as dark chocolate, white chocolate or a combination.
Similar Recipes
Other Holiday Recipes
- Gravy
- Cranberry Sauce
- Mac and Cheese
- Stuffing
- Sweet Potato Donuts
- Pumpkin Pie
- Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- Baked Apples
- Mushrooms
- Green Beans
- Whole Roasted Sweet Potato
- Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Common Questions
Instead of milk, feel free to use dairy alternatives such as soy, oat, coconut, cashew or almond milk.
Yes, you certainly can. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for every ounce of chocolate. Mix the cocoa powder with a small amount of milk to create a paste before adding it to the hot milk in the recipe.
If vanilla bean is not available, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste can be substituted.
Yes, you definitely can. Prepare the hot chocolate, cool it down, and then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You might need to whisk or stir it to ensure it’s well combined after reheating.
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This is my favorite set. I have had mine for 10 years and need a new one. Highly recommend!
This is the salt that I have used for years in all my cooking!
This knife is my most used tool in the kitchen. The love I have for this knife is unmatched.
This cutting board is not only aesthetically pleasing but will last you for years and years!
This is the perfect medium sauté pot!
I use these bowls for everything in my kitchen. I use them to prep my ingredients, to mix batter or dough in them and so much more!
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- ⅓ cup Redpath Golden Yellow Sugar, packed
- 1 piece vanilla pod, split lengthwise in half and seeds scraped
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 75 grams unsweetened chocolate, 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons finely chopped
- whipped cream , optional
Instructions
- Combine the milk, sugar, vanilla seeds (pod included), and salt in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is steaming but not boiling.
- Place the chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl, and ladle in about a cup or so of the steaming milk into the bowl of chopped chocolate. Let this sit for about a minute before gently stirring to melt completely. Stir another ladle of milk into the bowl to make it easier to combine the chocolate mixture with the remaining milk.
- Reduce the heat to low and gently whisk in the melted chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is incorporated and the mixture is homogenous. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod.
- Carefully ladle the vanilla hot chocolate into 4 mugs. Garnish with whipped cream, and marshmallows or dust the tops with cocoa powder and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
