The Ultimate Rich and Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa (Stovetop)
Forget instant packets. Make the best hot chocolate from scratch using simple ingredients for a rich, creamy, and decadent winter warm drink right on your stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Combine the milk, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk the mixture constantly over medium heat until the sugars dissolve and the mixture is smooth. Do not let it boil.
- If using chopped chocolate, add it now and continue whisking until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated.
- Heat until the mixture is steaming hot, about 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to prevent scorching the bottom.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour your gourmet hot cocoa immediately into mugs. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a quicker, easier version, skip the chopped chocolate and increase the cocoa powder to 3/4 cup.
- To make this a dairy-free hot chocolate, substitute the whole milk with oat milk or soy milk for the creamiest texture.
- For a large batch, consider using a slow cooker hot chocolate method; simply combine ingredients and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg