Hot Cocoa Recipe: Creamy, Chocolatey, Comforting Winter Drink
This homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe delivers a rich, creamy, chocolatey, and comforting winter drink you’ll adore—with minimal fuss and maximum indulgence.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk or almond/coconut milk for dairy-free
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Ghirardelli or Hershey’s Special Dark recommended
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Madagascar vanilla adds warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, but it enhances the chocolatey notes
- Pinch of fine sea salt balances sweetness
- mini marshmallows, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, cinnamon sticks, peppermint candy Optional toppers
Instructions
- Pour all four cups of milk into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently to prevent scorching.
- Once the milk is steaming (tiny bubbles at the edge), sift in cocoa powder and add sugar. Whisk briskly until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Lower heat to low, stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Taste and adjust sweetness—this is your moment to make it perfect.
- Keep stirring until the mixture is hot but not boiling (around 170°F if you have a thermometer). You’ll see tiny bubbles and feel a silky texture.
- Pour into mugs, then top immediately with marshmallows or whipped cream. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a cinnamon stick elevates the presentation instantly.
- Take a moment—inhale the sweet steam, sip slowly, and let the warmth soak in.
Notes
For the creamiest results, use whole milk or a 50/50 mix of milk and half-and-half. If you choose plant-based milk, shake the carton first to blend any settled solids. Adjust sugar based on your sweet spot—start with 1/2 cup, taste, then add a tablespoon at a time.
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