Homemade Hot Chocolate

What is something to look forward to when you come in on a cold winter day? Homemade hot chocolate will warm you up after being outside and playing in the snow. It is easy to make too!

We like to get creative here and have made it a few different ways, but this recipe here is a rich and flavorful way to bring you a classic drink. What are some other great add ons? Our own peppermint whipped cream or even our chocolate whipped cream – both very easy to make.

I melted some chocolate chips with coconut oil for the drizzle on top here – it isn’t from a plastic jug of chocolate syrup. I make as much homemade as possible.

Looking for a great dessert to go with it? You can try our Instant Pot cheesecake with chocolate swirl or the ultimate fudge brownies!

Making homemade hot chocolate

This really is easy and you won’t want to buy the packets again! There are some add ons here that are recommended but not required if you do not have them.

What you need:

• cocoa powder unsweetened
• espresso powder (recommended but optional)
• sugar
• chocolate chips
• vanilla extract
• salt
• marshmallows (recommended but optional)
• milk

Now the amount of sugar you use depends on how sweet you like it. You can add more if you desire after tasting it, some like sweet and some not so sweet. The espresso powder really brings out a flavor but is not required if you do not already have it or able to get it. We keep it on hand for baking and for hot chocolate! The marshmallows are going to be melted before adding to the top, it adds a nice froth to the top.

Putting it together

You will need a small to medium saucepan for this depending on the amount you are making. This recipe is for one cup but it doubles, triples or even quadruples nicely.

In the saucepan, combine all dry ingredients except marshmallows. They are for later. Add in 1 tablespoon of milk and stir to bring it to a creamy texture. Add in the vanilla extract and chocolate chips.

Turn the burner on to medium heat and carefully melt the chocolate chips in your mix. Stir often so they do not burn.

Once melted and smooth, add in the rest of the milk (all but the milk for the topping.) Stir well and heat until it is smooth and heated through. While this is heating up, add marshmallows and the remaining milk to a microwave safe mug.

Microwave for 25-35 seconds, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Ours is 1000 watts and we do it for 30 seconds.

We use a frother on the marshmallow mix, but you can use a fork and stir quickly until it is frothy. Once the hot chocolate is heated through, pour into a cup and pour the marshmallow froth on top. If desired, top with whipped cream or chocolate and enjoy!