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 for cups of hot 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 (like a mason jar). 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.
- Add a candy cane to your mug of hot cocoa for a hint of peppermint flavor.
- Blend chocolate chips (I like dark chocolate chips) into your cup of hot cocoa for a more indulgent sippable treat.
- Brew a shot of espresso and stir it into your prepared hot chocolate. Adjust the amount of espresso to suit your taste, whether you prefer a mild or stronger coffee flavor. (I like it strong!) Top it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra treat!
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
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Can you suggest a couple great cocoas to use? I bought a really good cocoas 3 or 4 years ago. Used it all and then threw the container away. Can’t find it and none I’ve bought since then have compared.
Is there any recipe for the hot chocolate dry mix you could make in large amounts and store until ready to add the milk? Such as (but so much better than) Quik?
I made this for my husband and I ! It was awesome never made by scratch before will use this a lot !!!!! Ty Amanda
This is the best thing ever! We create for cold nights ever cold night. And the marshmallows we shaped into stars and other stuff. (My brother made a dinosaur somehow) Just saying your recipes are the best!
Thanks for virtually educating.
This will make it better. Combine the sugar and cocoa with just enough water to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat and let boil for 1 minute. Then add vanilla, milk and marshmallows and heat to the temp you like for your hot chocolate. Mom taught me this recipe when I was in 3rd grade(1947). I did it 1 cup at a time after coming home from the skating rink.
So…really…..what exactly is a good quality cocoa?…..as opposed Ed to a not-good quality cocoa?
I need the receipt for double bread
I have a pot of hot chocolate on now 😂 can’t wait to have a cup in the morning 🙂 I pulled a cup out and heated it up in microwave, sooooooo goooood.thank you for sharing
Absolutely wonderful recipe. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I bought Christmas mugs for all of us for Christmas morning and this Hot Chocolate will be perfect to go along with my homemade Cinnamon Rolls.
I really appreciated your beautiful thoughts at the beginning of your blog. I pray that GOD richly Blesses you and yours with Peace, Joy, and Health for Christmas and 2021.