Homemade Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is truly the perfect drink for the holiday season. There’s just something magical about curling up with a warm mug of homemade cocoa when the weather turns chilly.

This recipe gives you everything you love about classic hot chocolate, but made richer, creamier, and far more flavorful than anything you’ll ever find in a packet.

The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, real chocolate, and cocoa powder creates the ultimate silky & smooth drink that tastes like it came straight from a cozy café.

Once you make hot chocolate this way, you’ll never want to go back to store bought mixes. Every sip is indulgent, melty, and perfectly sweet without being overpowering. The dark chocolate adds depth, the sweetened condensed milk gives it a luxurious creaminess, and the vanilla ties the whole flavor together.

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making all winter long..whether you’re hosting for the holidays, decorating your Christmas tree, watching movies on the couch, or treating yourself to something warm after a long day.

And the best part? It’s so simple to make. Just a few basic ingredients and one pot, and you’ve got a homemade hot chocolate that tastes like pure comfort in a cup.

Top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to make it even more decadent. This is a recipe everyone..kids, adults, and holiday guests will fall in love with.

Ingredients

Whole Milk –  Makes the drink smooth and creamy and thins the hot chocolate so it’s not too heavy

Heavy Whipping Cream – Adds richness and a thicker, velvety texture

Sweetened Condensed Milk –  Sweetens the hot chocolate and makes it extra creamy and smooth

Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chips – Gives the main chocolate flavor and adds richness and depth

Cocoa Powder – Boosts the chocolate taste and adds a deeper color

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth and a sweet aroma

How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate

1. Warm the Base

Add the whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk to a large pot over low medium heat. Stir to combine..

2. Add the Chocolate

Mix in the chopped dark chocolate (or chocolate chips) along with the cocoa powder. Whisk until everything melts and the mixture becomes smooth and rich.

3. Flavor It

Add the vanilla extract and continue cooking on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently. Don’t let it boil—just keep it warm and creamy.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Serving Ideas

Classic Toppings

• Marshmallows or mini marshmallows

• Chocolate shavings

• A sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon

Flavor Boosts

• Peppermint sticks or crushed peppermint

• Caramel drizzle

• A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg

• A splash of vanilla or hazelnut syrup

Fun Add-Ins

• Add a scoop of ice cream for a “hot cocoa float”

• Stir with a chocolate-dipped spoon

• Add a dollop of flavored whipped cream (peppermint, vanilla, cinnamon)

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

1. Refrigerator

– Store in an airtight container or jar.
– Lasts 3–4 days.
– Stir before refrigerating (the chocolate may settle).

2. Freezer

– Can be frozen up to 2 months.
– Freeze in portions for easy thawing.
– Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips for Reheating

On the Stovetop:

1. Warm on low to medium heat, stirring often.
2. Don’t boil. Boiling can make the dairy separate.
3. Add a splash of milk or cream if it thickened in the fridge.

In the Microwave:

1. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
2. Add a little milk if needed to loosen it up.