Description

This homemade hot chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and comforting drink perfect for chilly days or cozy evenings. Made with a blend of cocoa powder, whole milk, and a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, it delivers a luscious chocolate flavor with a silky texture. Customize with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or more to taste)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch salt

Wet Ingredients

4 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Optional Toppings

Chocolate shavings
Whipped cream
Marshmallows
Sprinkles

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Instructions

Prep Cocoa Powder: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add 1/2 cup of cold milk, whisking constantly until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and smooth.
Cook Cocoa: Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of whole milk and the vanilla extract to the saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and whisk constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Add Chocolate: Stir in the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. If the chocolate does not melt completely, gently warm over low heat, taking care not to boil the mixture once the chocolate has been added to prevent seizing.
Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve warm. Add any desired toppings such as chocolate shavings, whipped cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles for extra indulgence.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk as specified, or substitute with half-and-half for even creamier hot chocolate.
Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer sweeter or less sweet hot chocolate.
Do not boil the hot chocolate after adding chocolate chips to avoid grainy texture from chocolate seizing.
For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk.
Optional toppings enhance texture and flavor but are not necessary.