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Nutella Hot Chocolate

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A cozy mug of Nutella hot chocolate is quick and easy to make with 3 ingredients, full of the classic chocolate-hazelnut flavor we all love.

Who else is ready to cozy up with a warm mug of Nutella hot chocolate? ♡

We’re settling in for a cold and rainy weekend ahead here in Kansas City, so warm drinks of all kinds are on the agenda, including a round of this delicious chocolate-hazelnut hot chocolate. I actually first shared this recipe here on Gimme Some Oven over a decade ago, and all of these years later, it continues to be a favorite winter tradition here in our home.

This recipe is probably the quickest and easiest version of homemade hot chocolate that you can make, simply stirring a big dollop of Nutella into a warm mug of milk along with a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the best of the chocolate and hazelnut flavors. It comes together in just a few minutes (and is definitely easy enough for kids to DIY their own mugs). And it always tastes wonderfully nostalgic and indulgent and perfectly Nutella-y.

On a cold winter’s night, there’s nothing better. So grab a jar of Nutella and let’s make some hot chocolate together.

Nutella Hot Chocolate Ingredients

Here are a few quick notes about the Nutella hot chocolate ingredients that you will need for this recipe:

  • Nutella: Everyone’s favorite creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread is the starring ingredient here, providing the rich and nutty sweetness for the drink.
  • Milk: You’re welcome to use any type of plain milk that you love best here — dairy or non-dairy — heated until just simmering so that it doesn’t scorch.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to round out the best of the Nutella flavors in this recipe, so don’t skip it!
  • Toppings (optional): Feel free to top your hot chocolate with whatever toppings you love best, such as marshmallows, whipped cream or chocolate shavings. Or you’re welcome to just skip the toppings altogether.

Recipe Tips

Full instructions for how to make Nutella hot chocolate are included in the recipe below, but here are a few additional tips to keep in mind!

  • Heat milk gradually. I recommend heating the milk on medium heat (or lower) in order to prevent scorching or boiling. Once you see tiny bubbles forming around the edge of the saucepan, it’s ready to go.
  • Adjust the amount of Nutella to taste. The flavor of Nutella is naturally quite rich and sweet, so please feel free to adjust the amount and add more or less if you prefer.
  • Add cocoa powder if needed. For those that prefer hot chocolate that’s not too sweet, I would recommend using slightly less Nutella than the recipe calls for and adding in a teaspoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Have fun with it! This recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to customize, so feel free to adjust the amounts or experiment with any of the variation suggestions below to make this drink your own!

Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations you’re welcome to try with this Nutella hot chocolate recipe:

  • Add liqueur: Add a splash of liqueur, such as Frangelico (to enhance the hazelnut flavor), amaretto, rum, Bailey’s or Kahlua.
  • Add extra cocoa: Add extra unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor in the drink.
  • Add some spices: Add a pinch of warming spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the hot chocolate. To amp up the heat, you can also add a hint of chili powder or cayenne.
  • Add graham crackers: Top the hot chocolate with a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers (and, optional, roast the marshmallows until charred) to give this more of a s’mores hot chocolate vibe.
  • Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread and your favorite dairy-free milk.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes To Try

Looking for more homemade hot chocolate recipes to try this season? Here are a few of our favorites!

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Nutella Hot Chocolate

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Ali
  • Prep Time: 1 min
  • Cook Time: 4 mins minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x

Description

A warm mug of Nutella hot chocolate is quick and easy to make with 3 ingredients, full of the classic chocolate-hazelnut flavor we all love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups plain milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1/2 cup Nutella
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • optional toppings: marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it almost reaches a simmer. (We want the milk to be steaming hot, but avoid boiling.)
  2. Add Nutella. Add in the Nutella and salt and whisk until completely combined.
  3. Serve. Remove from heat. Serve warm, garnished with any of your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

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