There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate during the cozy Christmas season – rich, velvety, and brimming with festive cheer.
This isn’t your average cocoa mix: We’re talking real chocolate, creamy milk, and a hint of holiday sweetness to make every sip feel like a warm hug by the twinkling tree!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Cozy and indulgent: It’s like a warm hug in a mug, perfect for chilly days and special moments.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: No packets or weird additives, just rich chocolatey goodness you can tweak to your liking.
- Make it your own: Customize it with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a holiday twist to make it extra special for everyone!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can add an extra rich, smooth taste if you prefer.
- Whole milk – For an even creamier drink, try half-and-half or a mix of milk and heavy cream. Need a dairy-free option? Substitute with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
- Vanilla extract – This adds warmth and depth, but you can experiment with almond extract or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Chocolate chips – A mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate gives the perfect balance, but feel free to use dark chocolate if you prefer it less sweet or white chocolate for a unique treat.
- Toppings – Go wild! Try crushed candy canes, chocolate sauce, festive sprinkles, white cream, marshmallows… Make it you own.
How to make hot chocolate
Alright, let’s get started on this dreamy hot chocolate – it’s going to be the coziest treat of the season!
1. Prep the cocoa powder: Grab a medium saucepan and whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and just a tiny pinch of salt. That pinch of salt may seem small, but trust me, it makes the chocolate flavor really pop!
Now, slowly pour in about ½ cup of cold milk while whisking. Keep whisking until the cocoa powder dissolves completely – no lumps allowed! This step is like setting the foundation for our chocolatey deliciousness.
Once your cocoa mixture is smooth, add the rest of the milk and a splash of vanilla extract.
2. Cook the cocoa: Pop the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and whisk, whisk, whisk! You don’t want it to burn on the bottom, so keep it moving. When it starts to simmer (you’ll see little bubbles forming around the edges), let it cook for about 1-2 minutes.
The house is going to start smelling amazing right about now!
3. Melt in the chocolate: Here’s where the magic really happens. Turn off the heat and stir in your semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Keep stirring until they melt completely into the hot milk.
If they’re being a little stubborn and not melting all the way, just put the saucepan back on low heat for a minute or two – but be careful not to let it boil, or the chocolate might seize up. You’re aiming for silky-smooth perfection.
4. Serve and enjoy: Pour your hot chocolate into mugs (don’t forget to sneak a taste!) and top it with whatever makes your heart happy – whipped cream, marshmallows, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or even crushed candy canes if you’re feeling festive. Then gather everyone around and watch their faces light up with delight as they take their first sip.
And there you have it – rich, creamy hot chocolate that’s guaranteed to warm hearts and make memories. Enjoy every sip!
Top tips for recipe success
- Whisk it smooth: Take your time whisking the cocoa powder into the cold milk to avoid any lumps. A smooth start makes for a creamy finish!
- Keep an eye on the heat: Simmer gently; don’t let the milk boil. Boiling can cause the chocolate to seize or make the drink too frothy.
- Melt the chocolate slowly: Stir in the chocolate chips off the heat and warm gently if needed. Too much heat will make the chocolate grainy instead of silky.
- Serve at the perfect temp: Let it cool just slightly so it’s warm and cozy but not too hot to sip right away.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have the ultimate mug of hot chocolate every single time!
Helpful recipe hints
Recipe variations
Get creative and add your own festive flair to this hot chocolate! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Peppermint twist – Stir in a drop or two of peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes for a cool, minty holiday vibe.
- Spiced delight – Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of chili powder for a cozy, warming kick. Perfect for snowy evenings!
- Salted caramel dream – Drizzle caramel sauce into your hot chocolate, then sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt for a decadent treat.
- Mocha moment – Add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee for a grown-up mocha to keep you energized through the holiday hustle.
- White Christmas – Swap out the cocoa powder and chocolate chips for white chocolate, and add a splash of almond extract for a snowy, sweet twist.
- Boozy bliss (adults only) – Stir in a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps for a festive grown-up treat. Serve with a candy cane garnish for extra cheer.
With so many ways to make it your own, this recipe is the gift that keeps on giving! 🎄✨
Make-ahead options and leftovers
If you have any leftover hot chocolate (though I doubt it’ll last long), or if you want to prepare it in advance for a party or cozy gathering, here’s everything you need to know:
Storing leftovers
- Cool: Let your hot chocolate cool down for around 30 minutes before transferring it to an airtight container or mason jar.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before reheating, give it a quick stir to mix in any ingredients that may have settled.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking often to restore that creamy texture. Be sure not to boil it, as boiling can affect the flavor and texture; but make sure it reaches 165°F.
Make-ahead option
- Cook ahead of time: Follow the recipe as usual, then let the hot chocolate cool before storing it in the fridge as directed above.
- Reheat when needed: To serve, reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, whisking to ensure everything is smooth and creamy. This is a great way to get ahead for busy holiday mornings or parties.
Crockpot party tip
- Perfect for keeping it warm: Make the hot chocolate as directed on the stovetop, then transfer it to a pre-warmed slow cooker (set to “warm” or the lowest heat setting).
- Serve easily: Ladle it directly from the crockpot for a self-serve setup, and keep a variety of toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles nearby for guests to customize their mugs.
- Keep it creamy: Give it an occasional stir to keep the chocolate well-mixed and prevent any film from forming on the surface. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Make it in the crockpot: To make the recipe directly in the crockpot, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, then add the milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours, whisking occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This is a hands-off way to prepare hot chocolate while you focus on party prep!
Whether you’re saving leftovers, planning ahead, or serving a crowd, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious!
Serving ideas
- Holiday brunch centerpiece: Serve this rich hot chocolate alongside a festive spread of cinnamon rolls, Gingerbread pancakes or buttermilk waffles for a holiday brunch that feels extra special. Pair with whipped cream and sprinkles for a kid-friendly treat, or a splash of espresso for the adults!
- Christmas lights outing: Pour the hot chocolate into insulated travel mugs and take it along for a family outing to see Christmas lights. Add peppermint candy canes as stir sticks for a festive touch.
- Dessert bar star: Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar with toppings like marshmallows, chocolate sauce, crushed cookies, and candy canes. Perfect for a family game night or movie marathon.
- Christmas Eve tradition: Pair this hot chocolate with freshly baked Christmas cookies to enjoy while reading holiday stories or watching Christmas movies as a family.
These serving ideas will make this hot chocolate the star of any festive occasion!
More festive drinks
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or more to taste
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
- optional toppings chocolate shavings whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles…
Instructions
- Prep cocoa powder: Whisk together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 pinch salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add ½ cup cold milk, whisking constantly, until cocoa powder is fully dissolved in milk.
- Cook cocoa: Add remaining 3½ cups milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then take off the heat.
- Add chocolate: Stir in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup milk chocolate chips until melted. If not melting completely, gently warm over low heat until melted, do not boil once chocolate has been added, or it may seize up!
- Serve: Serve at desired temperature with desired toppings.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Sugar: Adjust sweetness to taste; swap with brown sugar for richer flavor.
- Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess, or try oat/almond milk for dairy-free.
- Cocoa powder: Choose high-quality for the best flavor; Dutch-processed adds richness.
- Chocolate chips: Mix semi-sweet and milk chocolate for balance, or try dark chocolate for less sweetness.
- Vanilla: Adds warmth; swap with peppermint or almond extract for variety.
Recipe tips
- Simmer, don’t boil: Heat gently to avoid scorching milk or seizing chocolate.
- Melt gently: Stir in chocolate chips off heat; warm on low if needed, but don’t boil.
Storage and make-ahead
- Refrigerate leftovers: Cool, store in an airtight container, and keep for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate; reheat gently to 165°F when ready to serve.
- Crockpot tip: Keep warm in a crockpot on “low” or “warm” for parties, stirring occasionally. For a hands-off option, make directly in the crockpot by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 2-3 hours.
More recipe information
Recipe first published 12/22/2017. Updated with new text, new photos and a much improved recipe on 11/30/2024.
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