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Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

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3.9 from 34 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This homemade hot chocolate recipe is a rich, creamy, and decadent treat perfect for warming up on a cold day. Made with a blend of unsweetened cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate, sugar, whole milk, half and half, and a touch of vanilla extract, it offers a perfectly balanced chocolate flavor with luxurious creaminess. Ready in just 15 minutes and serving four, this classic beverage is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a comforting indulgence.

Ingredients

Chocolate Base

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Dairy

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups half and half

Flavoring

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate, sugar, and salt to a medium saucepot. Pour the whole milk and half and half over the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly mixed before heating.
  2. Heat and Whisk: Place the saucepot over medium heat. Continuously whisk the mixture as it warms, ensuring the chocolate melts completely into the milk and the mixture begins to steam without reaching a simmer.
  3. Finish and Adjust Flavor: Once the chocolate blend is fully melted and steaming, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly. Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or chocolate intensity if desired by adding more sugar or chocolate.
  4. Serve Hot: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve immediately. Top with your favorite additions such as whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.

Notes

  • For a thicker hot chocolate, increase the ratio of half and half to milk.
  • To make it dairy-free, substitute whole milk and half and half with your preferred plant-based milk and cream alternatives.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
  • Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor.
  • Stir continuously while heating to prevent scorching the milk or chocolate.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/homemade-hot-chocolate-recipe/