Description
This creamy and rich stovetop hot chocolate recipe is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Made with cocoa powder, brown sugar, and melted semi-sweet chocolate chips blended into milk, it’s a classic comforting drink that’s easy to prepare. The addition of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor, making each cup decadently smooth and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate Base
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Generous pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium sauce pot, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and brown sugar until fully blended with no lumps.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and continue whisking often. Heat until the mixture is steaming and tiny bubbles form around the edges, but do not allow it to boil.
- Melt the Chocolate: Reduce heat to low, then add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately, optionally topped with whipped cream and/or marshmallows.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute oat milk and use vegan chocolate chips.
- To make the hot chocolate sweeter, use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate and/or increase the sugar by a tablespoon.
- If making for children or those who prefer a lighter taste, add water to thin the hot chocolate to preferred consistency.
- Single serving adaptation: 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips, a drop of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
