Make the best homemade hot chocolate on the stovetop using real chocolate for a rich, creamy, and decadent winter warmer that beats any mix.
Author:cookingbymia
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:15 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dessert Drink
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
6 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Marshmallows or whipped cream for topping
Instructions
Combine the whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the mixture is steaming but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the cocoa powder blend until smooth. This prevents lumps.
Pour the cocoa mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Whisk constantly until fully combined.
Continue heating over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is hot and just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not let it boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and velvety.
Stir in the pinch of cinnamon, if using.
Pour the rich and creamy hot chocolate into mugs. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream before serving immediately.
Notes
For an extra thick hot chocolate, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold milk before heating.
To make this a salted caramel hot chocolate, add 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce to each serving before topping.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best decadent chocolate drink flavor.