Description
Indulge in a creamy, rich homemade hot chocolate made with whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa, and dark chocolate for a luxurious treat. Perfect for cozy evenings, this simple recipe elevates your favorite childhood drink with a smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor. Customize with marshmallows or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort in a cup.
Ingredients
Scale
Milk and Cream
- 1¾ cups (420 g) whole milk
- ½ cup (115 g) heavy cream
Flavorings
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (natural cocoa powder recommended)
- 1½ tbsp soft light brown sugar (white sugar can be used)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract or essence
- 1 small pinch of salt
Chocolate
- ½ cup (85 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped (about 1 heaping cup if using volume measurement)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
- Heat to Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, making sure not to boil, to fully incorporate all flavors and dissolve the sugar completely.
- Add Chocolate: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer setting or low, then stir in the roughly chopped dark chocolate. Continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Taste, and if desired, add additional sugar for sweetness. Allow it to cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings such as marshmallows or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use gram measurements for the most accurate ingredient amounts.
- Natural cocoa powder is preferred for a richer flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar after tasting.
- Optionally top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- Stir continuously when adding chocolate to prevent burning or clumping.
