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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Want More Hot Chocolate Options?
Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
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.
Video
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Don’t forget to add good quality (organic) ground cinnamon during the cooking phase then after topping off with marshmallows in your mug, top with a big frothy swirl of whipped cream!
Great idea!
Just made a half batch of this and it’s a huge winner here 🙂 added in some cinnamon and a dash of chili, can’t beat it!
Did you use the sugar and the cocoa you said you used.. Because Most cocoa is unsweetened… but the 1 you used was sweetend, right? So if we used the cocoa you used would we still be adding in half cup of sugar also with the fourth cup cocoa? Lol
Regular cocoa is not sweetened. I get it in the baking section at any market.
What brand of cocoa do you use?
We made this today with Gherdelli cocoa powder (unsweetened).
We did organic sugar and homemade vanilla and I mixed cream with milk for a smoother texture…..
Holy amazing!
How do you make homemade vanilla?
The marshmallows sweeten the cocoa mixture in the pot.
Where does It say she used sweetened cocoa?
It is WAY too cold not to have hot chocolate at least once a day. Love the marshmallow trick 🙂
How much cocoa does this make??
About 4 cups
Replace half of the milk with heavy whipping cream. The taste will be 100 times better and oh so amazing!
I heat a cup of milk in the microwave for 1-1/2 minutes. In a small glass, I mix 1 tsp Hershey’s baking unsweetened cocoa with one artificial sweetener and a little water. I put this in the microwave for 15 seconds. Mix the chocolate well so it all dissolves then pour it into the milk.
After the marshmallows melted, the mixture expanded and made quite the mess in my kitchen, but the remaining hot chocolate was delicious!
I could see this a great Xmas gift. But use instant milk instead. But how much Instant milk?
I simmered cinnamon sticks in the milk for a short time before adding the rest of the ingredients, take them out before adding marshmallows. I love cinnamon in hot chocolate
Great idea!