Rich & Creamy Hot Chocolate
Chocolate at its finest! This rich and creamy hot chocolate is super comforting; it's perfect for a cold winter Christmas Eve! This is made with real chocolate, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla. This is the best homemade hot chocolate recipe that you can find!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 oz bittersweet chocolate bar chopped
- 2 oz semisweet chocolate bar chopped
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder dutch processed preferred
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp sugar more or less for preference, optional
Instructions
- Combine the cornstarch and milk, whisking until no lumps remain. In a small saucepot, add the milk, heavy cream, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium-low heat.
- Stir constantly so a film doesn't form over the top. Add any spices and flavorings you wish to add now.
- Once you see steam rising and little bubbles forming on the sides of the pot, remove it from the heat. Do not let the milk boil. It will curdle and become grainy. Stir in the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Stir in the sugar, if using. Serve immediately and add any toppings.
Notes
Storage: This can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Place a layer of plastic wrap on the surface so a film doesn't form.
- Reheat: Place the hot chocolate in a saucepan over low heat and stir it constantly until it's warmed through. Do not let it boil.
- Substitute the chocolate bars for chocolate chips. For one 4oz bar, you will need 3/4 cup of chocolate chips.
- Add some: Marshmallows, Whipped Cream, Chocolate Syrup, Crushed Peppermint Candy, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper (for a Mexican hot chocolate twist!), Nutmeg, Peppermint Extract, Instant Espresso Powder
- Substitute half & half for a thinner hot chocolate