Description
Make a rich, creamy hot chocolate from scratch on the stovetop. This recipe yields a decadent drink superior to any store-bought mix.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon until combined.
- Pour in the hot water and whisk constantly over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 1 minute. This dissolves the cocoa solids.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Heat the mixture, stirring often, until it is hot but not boiling, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and add your preferred toppings.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with heavy cream.
- To make a make-ahead mix for gifting, combine 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in an airtight container. Use 1/4 cup of this mix per 1 cup of milk, heating gently on the stovetop.
- Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 7 min
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg