This homemade hot cocoa recipe is the best of the best and will give you the richest and creamiest hot cocoa you’ve ever tasted. It’s sure to become your new go-to recipe for chilly days. With this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought powder packets again. I also have a Big Batch of Hot Cocoa Mix you will want to have on hand.

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The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa

Ingredients & Substitutions

Milk: I prefer whole milk when it comes to this recipe. It has a high-fat content that results in a thicker and richer texture. However, you could use other types of milk like skim milk, or even non-dairy milk alternatives. However, the substitutions could change the taste and texture of the hot cocoa.

Cocoa Powder: Look for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which you could also use, will give you a slightly different flavor profile and darker color.

Marshmallows: If you don’t have any on hand, make your own homemade mini marshmallows to use. Adding marshmallows directly to the pan while melting results in amazingly rich and frothy cocoa with a velvety texture.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

Can I Make This Crockpot Hot Cocoa?

Absolutely! Just add all ingredients, including the marshmallows to your crockpot. Cook on low for 1-2 hours. I do recommend doubling it for the best crockpot hot cocoa recipe. In fact, this is a great way to serve a big batch of cocoa for guests.

Easy Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

Can I Make Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?

Yes! Once you get the hot chocolate made, you can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid. When ready to enjoy, reheat it on the stovetop or on low in a slow cooker.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe

How to Serve Hot Chocolate

Yes, this hot chocolate is the best you will ever sip, but you can even add more to it for more flavors.

  • Try it with hazelnut, caramel sauce, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
  • For an adult beverage, add a splash of brandy to your mug of hot chocolate.
  • Of course, a dollop of whipped cream never hurts. Or, personalize the drink by topping it with whipped cream hearts.
These customizable marshmallows are SO EASY!!

Want More Hot Chocolate Options?

Best Homemade Hot Cocoa
4.80 from 10 votes

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
This homemade hot cocoa recipe is the best of the best and will give you the richest and creamiest hot cocoa you've ever tasted.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (980 g) whole milk
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (29.5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups (75 g) miniature marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a saucepan combine all ingredients. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the marshmallows are melted, about 10 minutes. (I actually had mine on the stove for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.)
  • Remove from the heat and pour into mugs.

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Reader Comments

    1. Hope you like it! I bet you and your sweet family are going to have a wonderful Christmas. Cant wait to see pictures!

  1. Oh, I want to eat that! Right now. I am going to hope that my parents have all this stuff at their house so we can make it tomorrow when we celebrate Christmas! Thanks for this!

  2. I want to bathe in this. That sounded better in my head. I just want to dive right in and immerse myself in that marshmallowy goodness. Merry Christmas my friend!

  3. I have more marshmallows in my pantry than I know what to do with. Looks like some are going to be going swimming soon. It’s cold out, grand kids are coming, Christmas is here…perfect timing for this Cocoa.

  4. I have pumpkin spice marshmallows in the cupboard right now and I’m drooling over the thought of this…. YUM! Thank you!!

    1. I think you need to put “Drop everything and make this cocoa” in caps. *giggle* I made some this morning — I’m drinking it right now — and I’m in love. <3 I'm kinda picky about my cocoas, but am SO.HAPPY I gave this one a try! And how EASY it was to make! Thanks so much for this lovely, warm, cozy gift! <3

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