Homemade Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

Homemade Hot Chocolate that is decadently rich and creamy, easy to make from scratch and tastes 1000X better than powdered mixes!

This Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is mega creamy, intensely chocolaty, perfectly sweet and delightfully addicting.  Itโ€™s also super simple to make with only six pantry friendly ingredients AND ready in minutes!  This hot chocolate recipe uses both cocoa powder and chocolate chips for dreamy chocolaty depth and both milk and heavy cream to create the creamiest mug of hot chocolate you ever tasted AKA the best hot chocolate ever!  Iโ€™ve also included how to customize your homemade hot chocolate with many different flavor options โ€“ because when you make homemade hot chocolate โ€“ the possibilities are endless!

top view of a mug of homemade hot chocolate with marshmallows


 

The BEST Hot Chocolate Recipe!

Homemade hot chocolate is a quintessential, curl up with a big cozy blanket must-have recipe.  Itโ€™s perfect for sipping by the flickering fireplace, while reading a book by a sparkling Christmas tree, or spending time with friends and family baking, listening to holiday music, playing games or watching your favorite movies.  In other words, it makes memories better; and taste better too.
To bring you this homemade hot chocolate recipe, I wanted to create a recipe worthy of your time and taste buds.  A hot chocolate recipe that was decadent, heavy on the chocolate but not sickeningly sweet.  A hot chocolate recipe that was easy, yet gourmet tasting.
To arrive at such a recipe, I tested the most popular methods to make hot chocolate, played with ingredients and proportions and finally arrived at this winning, fool proof, DELCIOUS homemade hot chocolate recipe.  Hereโ€™s the breakdown:

EASY.   If you have never made homemade hot chocolate before, throw those powdered packets away because you will be blow away at how easy it is to make from scratch!  No melting chocolate separately in the microwave, no shaving chocolate or processing it in the food processor; simply add some ingredients to a pot, bring to a simmer, ladle into mugs, pile on the marshmallows or whipped cream and prepare to warmed from the inside out as you indulge in the best hot chocolate recipe of your life.   
PANTRY FRIENDLY.  To make homemade hot chocolate, all you need is sugar, cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk, heavy cream and vanilla.  All pantry staples except perhaps the heavy cream, but that is negotiable. These simple ingredients become exponentially more delicious when combined together in perfect proportions. 
CREAMY. This homemade hot chocolate recipe uses milk instead of water which instantly ups the creamy factor.  It then spikes the milk with heavy cream to create the creamiest, most luxurious, intoxicating hot chocolate around.  Of course, if you want less creamy hot chocolate, then you can omit the heavy cream and use all milk.
CHOCOLATY.  This hot chocolate recipe is made with a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips.  The cocoa powder delivers intense chocolate flavor the chocolate chips round out the chocolate flavor with their rich, sweet creaminess and add luxurious body to the hot chocolate.  

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients

You will love that this homemade hot chocolate recipe uses pantry friendly ingredients so you can make it any time a cozy chocolate craving strikes.  The only ingredient you might not keep stocked is heavy cream โ€“ but itโ€™s worth keeping stocked during the chilly months just so you can make hot chocolate โ€“ and it keeps a long time, so youโ€™ll easily use it up.

  • Sugar:  use granulated sugar to add sweetness and maintain the pure chocolate flavor.  Granulated sugar also adds volume and texture.  If you know you donโ€™t like your hot chocolate very sweet, you can start with less sugar and stir in more to taste at the end of simmering.
  • Cocoa powder:  delivers an intense chocolate flavor. Take care to use unsweetened cocoa powder that is found in the baking aisle and NOT chocolate milk mix.  It might sound obvious but it does happen 😉.   If you love dark chocolate, then you might want to try the extra dark cocoa powder or a mixture of the two.
  • Chocolate chips:  adds a layer of luxurious chocolate depth. You may also substitute with 3 oz. finely chopped or grated semi-sweet Bakerโ€™s chocolate.  If you donโ€™t have or want to add chocolate chips, you may add additional cocoa powder and sugar (I’ve included the substitutions below), but be aware your hot chocolate won’t be as rich.
  • Chocolate chips:  adds a layer of luxurious chocolate depth. You may also substitute with 3 oz. finely chopped or grated semi-sweet Bakerโ€™s chocolate.  If you donโ€™t have or want to add chocolate chips, you may add additional cocoa powder and sugar (I’ve included the substitutions below), but be aware your hot chocolate won’t be as rich.
  • Milk: this recipe calls for whole milk for the creamiest homemade hot chocolate BUT I often donโ€™t have homemade whole milk on hand.  To make your own whole milk, replace some of the milk with heavy cream.
  • Heavy cream:  not only elevates this hot chocolate recipe to decadently gourmet but also helps stabilize the milk.  If you only use milk in your hot chocolate recipe, you have to be painstakingly take care not to boil the milk because it can easily curdle but heavy cream helps prevent this grievance.  Heavy cream will be called โ€œheavy whipping creamโ€ at your grocery store and is sold next to the coffee creamers, half and half and milk.
  • Vanilla:  a splash of vanilla extract rounds out all the chocolaty goodness.  Use quality vanilla extract for best flavor.
showing how to make hot chocolate recipe by adding hot chocolate to mug and adding marshmallows
showing how to serve hot chocolate recipe by adding a cinnamon stick

How to make Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  1. Combine dry ingredients.  Add sugar to a deep saucepan or pot then sift in cocoa powder.  Give them a stir to combine.  It is better to use a large pot than a small one and worry about sloshing all over.  It is important to sift the cocoa powder so it’s easy to whisk away the lumps.
showing how to make homemade hot chocolate recipe by sifting in cocoa powder
  1. Add milk.  Stir in milk and heavy cream. Whisk vigorously for about one minute, until most of the lumps are gone.  It will seem very lumpy at first, but I promise your whisk will work magic. You want almost all of the lumps to be gone before you turn on the heat. And don’t confuse froth with lumps – the chocolate will get frothy with air bubbles from all that whisking.
showing how to make homemade hot chocolate recipe by adding milk and heavy cream
showing how to make homemade hot chocolate recipe by whisking in cocoa powder, sugar, milk and heavy cream
  1. Bring to a boil. Continue to stir frequently as you bring to a light boil. As soon as it starts to gently boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer about 15 seconds stirring constantly.  You might want to set your timer so you donโ€™t shortchange your 15 seconds. We want the milk and heavy cream hot enough so it will easily melt the chocolate chips.
showing how to make homemade hot chocolate recipe by stirring constantly while it comes to a boil
  1. Add chocolate chips. Reduce heat to low and stir in chocolate chips.  Whisk until the chocolate chips melt completely, about one minute.  If your chocolate chips aren’t melting, stir on! Stir in vanilla.
showing how to make best hot chocolate recipe by adding chocolate chips
  1. Serve.  Ladle hot chocolate into mugs and serve with optional marshmallows and whipped cream or any of my other topping ideas below.
showing how to make homemade hot chocolate recipe by stirring chocolate chips until melted

Homemade whipped cream for hot chocolate

If you really want to splurge to create the BEST hot chocolate, go for homemade whipped cream.  Light, sweet homemade whipped cream floating on your hot chocolate is heaven and 1000X better than the canned processed stuff.  Homemade whipped cream is also easy to make with heavy cream and sugar you already have on hand for this hot chocolate recipe.

To make homemade whipped cream: 

Dollop onto hot chocolate and dive in!

Add 2 tablespoons sugar to a metal mixing bowl, followed by 1 cup heavy cream. 

Beat with electric beaters just until the cream reaches stiff peaks.

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Toppings

Hot chocolate is delicious in its simplicity or jazz it up with all sorts of toppings!  Here are just a few ideas:

  • marshmallows or flavored marshmallows
  • whipped cream
  • mascarpone
  • caramel
  • coconut caramel
  • sweetened shredded coconut
  • hot fudge
  • shaved or chopped chocolate
  • chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips
  • grated cinnamon, ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks or cinnamon chips
  • crushed candy canes
  • sprinkles
  • almonds or hazelnuts, ground extra fine
  • crushed Oreos
  • crushed Butterfingers
  • Hot Tamales

Best Hot Chocolate Recipe Variations

This classic homemade hot chocolate recipe is a springboard for all sorts of mix-ins!  Here are just a few ideas:

  • Mexican hot chocolate: while there are more authentic recipes out there using chocolate de mesa, you can get the essence of Mexican hot chocolate by adding 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of chili powder or more to taste.
  • Hungarian hot chocolate:  stir in 1 teaspoon finely-ground Hungarian hot paprika,
    ½ teaspoon finely-ground white pepper and ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
  • Peppermint hot chocolate:  add 3 drops food grade peppermint oil or stir in ½ โ€“ 1 tsp peppermint extract to taste.
  • Orange hot chocolate: stir in 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ยฝ teaspoon ground nutmeg and ยฝ teaspoon ground cloves.
  • Brown sugar hot chocolate:  replace the granulates sugar with brown sugar for a butterscotch flavor.
  • Maple hot chocolate:  replace half of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup.
  • Cinnamon hot chocolate:  add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, more or less to taste. You may also want to add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves.
  • Pumpkin spice hot chocolate: add to taste. 
  • Nutella:  reduce the sugar and cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons, omit the chocolate chips and heavy cream and add 3 tablespoons Nutella (or more to taste) with the milk.
  • Peanut butter hot chocolate:  add 1/4-⅓ cup creamy peanut butter to the hot chocolate after the chocolate chips. Blend with a hand-held immersion blender or whisk until completely smooth.
showing how to make hot chocolate by scooping into a ladle to serve

    

homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips and cocoa in a mug

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe Tips

I hope you enjoyed learning all about hot chocolate!  Here is a summary of important tips and tricks:

  • Use quality chocolate chips with a higher percentage of cocoa powder for superior melting ability and maximum flavor.
  • Use semi-sweet chocolate and not milk chocolate or your hot chocolate will be far too sweet.
  • Please do not use water.  Your hot chocolate will not be watery (surprise) and not creamy.
  • I have had the most success with a blend of milk and cream for flavor and consistency.  Cream will also help stabilize your milk so it doesnโ€™t curdle.
  • Donโ€™ skip sifting the cocoa powder!  Sifting makes it much easier to whisk the lumps away.  As the cocoa powder gets to the bottom of the sieve and only hard bits remain, you can push them through the sieve with a back of a measuring cup.
  • Adjust your hot chocolate to taste โ€“ more sugar, less sugar, more cream, less cream, etc.
  • Use real, homemade whipped cream.  It takes minutes to make and it’s thick, rich and boasts superior flavor to its artificial counterparts.  

Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs

How long can you store hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.ย  Theoretically, it is good for as long as the expiration date on your milk or heavy cream โ€“ whichever comes soonest.ย  If you’re not sure, then store hot chocolate for 3-5 days.

Can I Reheat this Hot Chocolate Recipe?

Absolutely!ย  This hot chocolate reheats beautifully whether you would like a single serving or a pot full. ย Reheated hot chocolate will be thicker, so in each instance below, you may need to stir in additional milk to thin:
Microwave:ย  warm in a microwave-safe
mug for 60 seconds then at 30 second intervals.
Stove:ย  transfer to a saucepan and
heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until steaming but not boiling.

two hands holding creamy hot chocolate recipe

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Best Hot Chocolate Recipe (with Chocolate Chips)

This Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is mega creamy, intensely chocolaty, perfectly sweet and delightfully addicting. Itโ€™s also super simple to make with only six pantry friendly ingredients AND ready in minutes! This hot chocolate recipe uses both cocoa powder and chocolate chips for dreamy chocolaty depth and both milk and heavy cream to create the creamiest mug of hot chocolate you ever tasted AKA the best hot chocolate ever! Iโ€™ve also included how to customize your homemade hot chocolate with many different flavor options โ€“ because when you make homemade hot chocolate โ€“ the possibilities are endless!
Servings: 4 -5 servings
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 cups whole milk see DIY notes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup QUALITY semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a deep saucepan or pot, add sugar then sift in cocoa powder; stir to combine.
  • Stir in milk and heavy cream. Whisk vigorously for about one minute, until most of the lumps are gone.
  • Continue to stir frequently as you bring to a light boil over medium heat. As soon as it starts to gently boil, reduce to a simmer. Simmer about 15 seconds stirring constantly.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in chocolate chips. Whisk until the chocolate chips melt completely, about one minute. Stir in vanilla.
  • Ladle into mugs and serve with option marshmallows and whipped cream.

Notes

DIY Whole Milk

For the creamiest hot chocolate, I recommend whole milk with the addition of heavy cream.ย  That being said, you certainly donโ€™t have to use whole milk, you can use skim, 1% or 2% as well.ย  Just keep in mind, that the higher the fat content, the creamier the hot chocolate.ย  So, if you would like to make up for not using whole milk, then I recommend replacing some of your milk with heavy cream.

Toppings ideas

Hot chocolate is delicious in its simplicity or jazz it up with all sorts of toppings!ย  Here are just a few ideas:
  • marshmallows or flavored marshmallows
  • whipped cream
  • mascarpone
  • caramel
  • coconut caramel
  • sweetened shredded coconut
  • hot fudge
  • shaved or chopped chocolate
  • chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips
  • grated cinnamon, ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks or cinnamon chips
  • crushed candy canes
  • sprinkles
  • almonds or hazelnuts, ground extra fine
  • crushed Oreos
  • crushed Butterfingers
  • Hot Tamales

Hot Chocolate Tips:

I hope you enjoyed learning all about hot chocolate!ย  Here is a summary of important tips and tricks:
  • It is better to use a large pot than a small one and worry about sloshing all over. ย It is important to sift the cocoa powder so it’s easy to whisk away the lumps.
  • Use quality chocolate chips with a higher percentage of cocoa powder for superior melting ability and maximum flavor such as Guittard or Ghirardelli.ย  You may also substitute with 3 oz. shaved or finely chopped semi-sweet Bakers chocolate.
  • Use semi-sweet chocolate and not milk chocolate or your hot chocolate will be far too sweet.
  • Donโ€™ skip sifting the cocoa powder!ย  Sifting makes it much easier to whisk the lumps away.ย  As the cocoa powder gets to the bottom of the sieve and only hard bits remain, you can push them through the sieve with a back of a measuring cup.
  • Please do not use water.ย  Your hot chocolate will not be watery (surprise) and not creamy.
  • I have had the most success with a blend of milk and cream for flavor and consistency. ย Cream will also help stabilize your milk so it doesnโ€™t curdle.ย  If you don’t want to use heavy cream, that is fine! Just be aware your hot chocolate will be less creamy.
  • Adjust your hot chocolate to taste โ€“ more sugar, less sugar, more cream, less cream, etc.
  • Use real, homemade whipped cream (see post).ย  It takes minutes to make and it’s thick, rich and boasts superior flavor to its artificial counterparts. ย 

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6 Comments

  1. MaryAnn Coy says

    I can’t have cow dairy, allergic! I was thinking Coconut beverage and canned full fat coconut milk (for heavy cream) with dark chocolate powder and nondairy dark chocolate chips. A spoon of coconut oil can add more richness if need be. Topped with whipped coconut cream. Also, did you know a pinch of salt enhances chocolate?

    • Jen says

      Hi MaryAnn, you read my mind! Your solution is exactly what I suggested in the post for nondairy needs. Enjoy!

  2. F says

    I have tried other hot chocolate recipes before but this was so so so good! Will be making this again because the cravings are real

    • Jen says

      I totally get you – give me all the chocolate! I’m so happy you loved this hot chocolate recipe, thanks for taking the time to comment!

  3. Ashley says

    Hi!! I love all your recipes, they are all so great! For serving this at a party, do you think it would be okay in a crockpot on low AFTER its been made as you suggest above?

    • Jen says

      Thanks Ashley! Yes, you can absolutely keep it on low for up to 2 hours in the crockpot. Enjoy!