How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate

Homemade Hot Chocolate mix is so easy to make that once you make it, you will never buy store-bought again! Imagine a nice hot cup of chocolatey hot cocoa right now that is full of marshmallows! Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with pre-made hot chocolate mix, however, once you make your own hot cocoa mix, you will be asking yourself why did you wait so long! 

How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate From Scratch

If you are looking for more hot chocolate beverage ideas, I have a few you might really enjoy! Like my Hot Chocolate Bombs! These are a really fun idea to make with the kids, they are totally customizable and better yet, it's a great way to use up the this homemade hot chocolate! Another fun idea is my Melting Snowman Hot Chocolate Bombs! The kids will love helping you make their very own snowmen! Of course, with all of this cocoa,  you will need something to stir your chocolate with! How about making some Homemade Hot Cocoa Spoons?!  If you are looking for another fun DIY treat to make with the kids to enjoy on a cold Winter day, our DIY Marshmallow Snowmen is exactly what you are looking for! 

Expert Tips, Ingredient List and Suggestions for Recipe Success

• Granulated sugar - you will need this to offset the bitterness of the cocoa
• Unsweetened chocolate - you can use sweetened but it might be a little too sweet
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - this is a key ingredient
• Nonfat dry milk powder - this is something you need to add in addition to the regular milk
• Vanilla extract - you simply must use pure extract
• Salt - this helps cut the sweetness. Make sure to use kosher or sea salt. Do not use regular table salt. 
• Cornstarch - you need this as a thicken agent

Can This Be Made Without Cocoa Powder?

You can make it just as delicious by using just chopped up chocolate. You will still get an amazing chocolate flavor. 

What Additional Ingredients Can You Add?

You can stir in some crushed peppermint, caramel syrup, peppermint extract or your favorite chocolate liqueur. 

How To Make Homemade Peppermint Hot Cocoa

If you would like to make your own Peppermint Hot Cocoa, just add in a tablespoon of Pure Peppermint Extract after you add in the cocoa. 

How Do You Make It Boozy?

After you add in the cocoa to the hot milk, add in 2 oz of Peppermint Schnapps or Vodka. 

How Do You Store It?

In an air-tight container for up to two months. Honestly though it never lasts that long. I am always remaking a fresh batch of it.

Step By Step Directions

Step 1: Chop the chocolate in small pieces.

Step 2: Add all of the ingredients into a food blender or food processor until it gets to a fine powder.

Step 3: When you are ready to make your Hot Cocoa. In a small saucepan, add in 1 cup of milk (any type whole, 2% or 1%) turn the stove top to medium heat and heat it until you start to see bubbles around the edges and the milk begins to steam.

Then add in ¼ cup of the mix, whisking the hot chocolate powder into the milk.

The key though will be to whisk consistently until there are no more lumps and until the mixture has thoroughly dissolved into the milk. This process will take approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Related Recipes

Peppermint Whipped Cream

Dalgona Whipped Coffee

Irish Cream Dalgona Coffee

Southern Butter Pecan Whipped Coffee

This recipe is adapted from a recipe on Brown Eyed Baker.

📖 Recipe