This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This homemade hot chocolate recipe is easy to make with everyday ingredients and perfectly creamy and chocolatey.
Have you ever made homemade hot chocolate from scratch? ♡
It’s surprisingly quick and easy to make in about 10 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. And the result is so much richer, creamier and flavorful than any store-bought mix. Feel free to customize your hot chocolate to make it as bitter or sweet, light or bold, or infused with whatever fun add-ins (peppermint, espresso, caramel, etc) that you prefer. You can also opt to use dairy milk or whichever plant-based milk that you prefer. And of course, don’t forget the toppings — whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate shavings are always a good idea!
What I love most about homemade hot chocolate is how effortlessly it transforms a simple moment into something cozy and special. Whether you’re snuggling up on the couch, making a quick batch for the kids, or serving it up for a large holiday gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So grab your favorite mug, and let’s make some homemade hot chocolate together!
Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Hot Chocolate Ingredients
Here are a few quick notes about the homemade hot chocolate ingredients you will need to make this recipe:
Milk: Plain milk is my favorite creamy, velvety base to use when making homemade hot chocolate. Feel free to use dairy milk or your favorite plant-based milk, such as oat, almond or soy milk.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Basic semisweet chocolate chips add rich chocolate flavor and a hint of sweetness to the drink, as well as help to give it a slightly thicker and luxurious texture.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder helps to boost the intensity of the chocolate flavor while giving you a bit more control over the sweetness of the drink.
Sugar: Feel free to add as much or as little additional sugar as you would like to sweeten the drink to taste. You can either just use basic white granulated sugar, cane sugar, or whatever sweetener you prefer.
Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla extract warms up the flavor of the drink, enhancing the chocolatey richness of each sip.
Salt: Don’t skip the salt! A pinch of fine sea salt sharpens the flavor of the chocolate and really makes the flavors pop!
Toppings (optional): Finally, feel free to top your homemade hot chocolate with whatever toppings you love best — whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, you name it!
How To Make Hot Chocolate
Step-by-step instructions for how to make hot chocolate are included in the recipe below, but here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:
Heat milk slowly. Heat the milk gently over medium heat so that it doesn’t accidentally scorch or form a skin on top.
Whisk constantly. Be sure to also whisk the milk occasionally as it heats so that the bottom doesn’t accidentally burn.
Sweeten to taste. I recommend starting with around 1/3 cup of additional sweetener, but please feel free to use more or less sweetener to taste. (The sweetness of the type of chocolate chips or milk that you use can vary significantly, so it’s always a good idea to give it a taste and tweak as needed.)
Warm your mugs. If you would like your hot chocolate to stay nice and warm, rinse your mugs with hot water just before serving.
Hot Chocolate Variations
Here are a few fun ways that you’re welcome to customize a cup of homemade hot chocolate:
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add a hint of peppermint extract and garnish with candy canes.
Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of cayenne and a drizzle of vanilla extract.
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate: Add a scoop of creamy peanut butter.
Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a shot of espresso.
Lavender Hot Chocolate: Steep 1 teaspoon of culinary-grade dried lavender in the milk before adding the other ingredients, then strain and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Spiked Hot Chocolate: Add a shot of Bailey’s, Kahlua or bourbon.
More Warm Drink Recipes To Try!
Looking for more warm and cozy drink recipes to try? Here are a few of our favorites:
This homemade hot chocolate recipe is easy to make with everyday ingredients and perfectly creamy and chocolatey.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups plain milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate shavings
Instructions
Heat. Combine the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla and sea salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture almost reaches a simmer. (We want it to be steaming, but avoid coming to a boil.)
Add the chocolate chips. Add in the chocolate chips and whisk until they are melted and evenly combined.
Serve. Remove from heat. Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
YOUR DOG! I die. So cute!
I literally started drooling at that first picture with all the chocolate drips.
This looks like the best darn hot chocolate out there, thanks for sharing a good homemade recipe!
We got quite a bit of snow here too! My kids can’t wait to get out in it today to play, and we have everything to make this yummy looking hot cocoa later! And the marshmallows and chocolate on top is a must!
Oh how I love snow days! I’m having one today…. But also working. At least I have my blanket and morning coffee… though i now think I’m going to need this hot chocolate, too!
As a resident of Kansas City, I would love to know the location of said irresistible vegan nachos….thank you for your wonderful recipes and favorite things tips! Those slippers look so so comfy!!!
Looks delish and can’t wait to make it! Tell me where you go for your vegan nachos? I also am from KC and my daughter is vegan and we love to try new places.
I’m not much for hot chocolate and especially Hershey’s cocoa but I had to say your little dog is just the cutest.
And your capuring his little snowy face is good photography. Thanks for sharing it all.
This looks absolutely decadent! Perfect for a cold, snowy day. We got 4 inches of snow yesterday and are expecting more this weekend. The cold temps make me want a warm drink like this!
Ali, I’ve tried a lot of hot chocolate over the years, and this is the best homemade hot chocolate I’ve ever had! I just finished my first cup while writing up my February Favorites post and included it in my post. Now I’m off to go have my second cup of it! Thanks for the great recipes!
This recipe is amazing! I used Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa and the ingredients listed. After it was done and incorporated in I poured it into a cup and added coffee mate and sprinkled a bit of cinnamon into it. Literally tastes like a chocolate cinnamon doughnut!
I’m in Kansas City too! I’m definitely craving some homemade hot cocoa right now, it is soooo cold. Thank you for posting! Do I buy the cocoa powder in the tin? I guess I do, right. Lol. I have all the ingredients except that!
Oh my gosh this is so good! Really sweet but it’s by far the best hot chocolate ive ever had! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!! My girls are infatuated!
This homemade hot chocolate recipe looks absolutely delicious and easy to make! I love how customizable it is, from the sweetness to the fun add-ins. Perfect for cozy winter days! Can’t wait to try it out with some marshmallows on top.
Hey, I’m Ali!
My favorite thing in life is time spent around the table. And all the better with some seriously tasty food to bring us all together. more about me »
Oh how gorgeous and how delicious, I bet. It’s still frigid in Chicago so this hot chocolate is perfection for another one of those nights.
YOUR DOG! I die. So cute!
I literally started drooling at that first picture with all the chocolate drips.
This looks like the best darn hot chocolate out there, thanks for sharing a good homemade recipe!
What a perfect hot chocolate! Can’t get enough of your cutest little dog too!! xo
We got quite a bit of snow here too! My kids can’t wait to get out in it today to play, and we have everything to make this yummy looking hot cocoa later! And the marshmallows and chocolate on top is a must!
Oh this is perfect! I could use a cup right now!
Oh how I love snow days! I’m having one today…. But also working. At least I have my blanket and morning coffee… though i now think I’m going to need this hot chocolate, too!
oh my god this looks perfect!! throw a little toasted coconut on top and I will literally swoon :)
marshmallows always!! Your pup is sooo adorable.
I love the puppy pic! And I must try this hot chocolate, thanks so much for sharing it with us! :)
Even though I am out here in sunny California and havent seen cold weather yet…. this looks FAB!!!!!
As a resident of Kansas City, I would love to know the location of said irresistible vegan nachos….thank you for your wonderful recipes and favorite things tips! Those slippers look so so comfy!!!
Hi Christine,
Totally! They were from FUD in the Westside. Highly recommend them!
~Ali
Looks delish and can’t wait to make it! Tell me where you go for your vegan nachos? I also am from KC and my daughter is vegan and we love to try new places.
I’m not much for hot chocolate and especially Hershey’s cocoa but I had to say your little dog is just the cutest.
And your capuring his little snowy face is good photography. Thanks for sharing it all.
What a wonderful account of your snowy day. We just got a foot, yes a FOOT of snow today, but I haven’t done anything fun with it yet!!
I need some hot choc stat!
Your dog is so cute! And this looks simple and perfect, love it!
I’m curious about where the nachos are from? Always looking for a new place to eat.
I think the nachos are from Fud. it’s the only vegan one that comes up in the search. It looks like it’s between the crossroads and power and light!
Yes please share! Always looking for “to die for” food in KC.
Gorgeous! I need a cup right about now!
This looks absolutely decadent! Perfect for a cold, snowy day. We got 4 inches of snow yesterday and are expecting more this weekend. The cold temps make me want a warm drink like this!
There is absolutely nothing better on a snowy day than homemade hot chocolate! This is gorgeous!
Ohhh man. WE might not have the snow – but we have the frigid temps here in Seattle!! I need a big olllleeee pot of this immediately!!
Ohhh man. WE might not have the snow – but we have the frigid temps here in Seattle!! I need a big olllleeee pot of this immediately!!
Perfect for this HORRIBLY cold KC weather! I wish I was home with a big mug now. :)
This looks so rich and decadent!
Oh yum, I can’t resist classic hot chocolate :) seeing this put a smile on my face!
Oh my, this looks amazing. This is dangerous for choco-holics!! Your dog is adorable by the way!! Thanks for sharing!
Ali, I’ve tried a lot of hot chocolate over the years, and this is the best homemade hot chocolate I’ve ever had! I just finished my first cup while writing up my February Favorites post and included it in my post. Now I’m off to go have my second cup of it! Thanks for the great recipes!
delicious! I have made this a few times now. Canadian winters are so cold, this helps us get through the day:)
Thanks Michelle, we’re happy you enjoy the recipe – stay warm! :)
This recipe is amazing! I used Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa and the ingredients listed. After it was done and incorporated in I poured it into a cup and added coffee mate and sprinkled a bit of cinnamon into it. Literally tastes like a chocolate cinnamon doughnut!
Thanks, Ashley — we’re so glad you enjoyed it! :)
It’s great.
Thank you so much!
This is so good!! Very easy and perfect taste. Thanks as always, Ali!
I’m in Kansas City too! I’m definitely craving some homemade hot cocoa right now, it is soooo cold. Thank you for posting! Do I buy the cocoa powder in the tin? I guess I do, right. Lol. I have all the ingredients except that!
Oh my gosh this is so good! Really sweet but it’s by far the best hot chocolate ive ever had! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!! My girls are infatuated!
Soooo gooooood 🥰
Sooo good! 😊
How would I scale down the recipe to make a single serving? Thank you!
This homemade hot chocolate recipe looks absolutely delicious and easy to make! I love how customizable it is, from the sweetness to the fun add-ins. Perfect for cozy winter days! Can’t wait to try it out with some marshmallows on top.