Rich Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe for Comfort (Print Version)

Discover a rich hot chocolate recipe that's pure comfort. This homemade hot chocolate is easy to make and perfect for chilly days.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - Whole Milk: 4 cups
02 - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup
03 - Dark Chocolate, finely chopped: 3 oz

→ Sweeteners & Flavor Boosters

04 - Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (or to taste)
05 - Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
06 - Pinch of Salt

→ Finishing Touches

07 - Whipped Cream or Marshmallows: for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Pour the whole milk into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Now, this is where I always have to remind myself to be patient. You want it warm, just simmering, but not boiling. See those tiny bubbles forming around the edges? That's your cue. Don't walk away from the pot, seriously, I've scorched milk more times than I'd like to admit trying to multitask!
02 - Once the milk is warm, whisk in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Keep whisking until everything is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This step is key for a smooth hot chocolate recipe, so don't be shy with the whisk! I remember one time I rushed this and ended up with little pockets of dry cocoa powder – not my finest kitchen moment, but we learn, right?
03 - Reduce the heat to low, then add the finely chopped dark chocolate. Continue to whisk gently until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich, glossy mixture. The aroma starts to fill the kitchen here, and then your hot chocolate recipe is coming alive! It's such a satisfying sight, watching it transform.
04 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and that crucial pinch of salt. Give it another good whisk to ensure everything is combined. This little pinch of salt really makes the chocolate flavors pop, it’s a tiny detail that makes a huge difference, honestly.
05 - Now for the best part! Carefully taste your hot chocolate. Is it sweet enough? Chocolatey enough? This is your moment to make it truly yours. If you want it sweeter, add a little more sugar. If you want more chocolate, a tiny bit more cocoa or dark chocolate can be added (just whisk well!).
06 - Ladle your glorious hot chocolate into mugs. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a handful of marshmallows. This is my favorite part, making it look all fancy even if I'm just curled up on the couch. It should look rich, smell incredible, and taste like pure comfort. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Don't walk away from the pot! Seriously, I've scorched milk more times than I'd like to admit trying to multitask.
02 - Leftovers? Pop it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking to bring back that creamy texture.
03 - Ran out of cocoa powder once, used melted dark chocolate (about 3 oz for this recipe) and honestly, it was a revelation. A little richer, but so good!
04 - A tiny pinch of sea salt right before serving? Oh, it makes the chocolate flavor sing. Don't skip it!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Medium saucepan
02 - Whisk
03 - Measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 10g

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