Hot Chocolate
Updated Jul 26, 2026
This homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is thick, creamy, and so delicious. The perfect cozy drink for a cold day!
Homemade hot chocolate
Every year when the first cool days roll around, I find myself craving a cozy mug of hot chocolate.
There is just nothing like a hot steaming mug of hot cocoa to warm you up on a cold day.
This homemade hot cocoa is one of my favorite indulgences during the fall and winter months!
This recipe is a family favorite for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, snow days, and just about any occasion that calls for a cozy treat.
It’s also great for serving at holiday parties with a hot chocolate toppings bar. I suggest making a double or triple batch though, it will go fast!
Ingredients needed
- Whole milk and heavy cream: the combination of milk and cream gives this hot chocolate a luxuriously decadent taste.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Milk chocolate chips: you can use other chocolate types, but for a classic taste I recommend milk chocolate chips.
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to make hot chocolate
Step 1: Add the milk, heavy cream, and cocoa powder to a medium sized sauce pan. Heat the pot over medium low heat, whisking until warm. Be careful not to boil it as this will burn the milk.
Step 2: Add the milk chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to whisk until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the hot cocoa is thickened.
Step 3: Continue stirring until your hot chocolate is completely smooth and thickened. Pour it into mugs and serve with toppings of choice!
Storing and reheating hot chocolate
Allow the hot cocoa to cool, then store any leftovers in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. This hot chocolate will keep for 3-5 days.
Hot cocoa can be reheated over low heat on the stove, or in the microwave in 15-30 second increments until heated through.
Topping ideas
- Mini marshmallows
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel or chocolate syrup
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Toffee bits
This recipe is absolutely delicious and comes out perfectly every time!
If you prefer a richer chocolate profile, you can swap the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips, or your favorite chopped up chocolate bar.
Every sip is heaven in a mug! There’s no better way to warm up on a cold day.
More holiday favorites
Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Add the milk, heavy cream, and cocoa powder to a medium sauce pan.
- Heat the pan over medium low heat, whisking until warm. Be careful not to boil the milk.
- Add the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to whisk until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the hot cocoa is thick and creamy.
- Serve hot with mini marshmallows or whipped cream for topping.
