Rich Creamy Hot Chocolate (Printable View)
A smooth, creamy hot chocolate blending real chocolate with vanilla for cozy warmth.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dairy
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Chocolate
03 - 3.5 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
→ Sweetener & Flavor
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Optional Toppings
08 - Whipped cream
09 - Chocolate shavings
10 - Marshmallows
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Heat gently until steaming but not boiling.
02 - Add finely chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until chocolate melts and mixture becomes smooth and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
03 - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in pure vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness to taste if needed.
04 - Pour the hot chocolate into heatproof mugs. Optionally garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or marshmallows. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It tastes like the hot chocolate you've always imagined—silky, indulgent, and unmistakably chocolate, not watered down or overly sweet
- Just 15 minutes from craving to comfort, no fancy equipment needed
- Once you taste homemade, you'll never go back to packets, I promise
02 -
- Temperature matters more than heat level—steaming but not boiling is the sweet spot. Boiling milk separates and tastes slightly scorched, which ruins everything.
- Whisking constantly is not optional. It's what keeps the chocolate smooth instead of grainy or lumpy. Your arm gets a small workout, but the result is worth it.
03 -
- Finely chopped chocolate melts into silky smoothness, while larger chunks create frustrating lumps—take 30 seconds to chop properly
- The pinch of salt isn't optional flavor—it amplifies the chocolate taste in ways your brain will recognize even if you can't name it