This easy Hot Cocoa recipe is rich and creamy and will warm your soul. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make a cup of homemade hot cocoa.
Looking for more beverages? Try Wassail, Homemade Eggnog, Frozen Hot Chocolate, or even a Chocolate Milkshake!
Why I love this Hot Cocoa recipe:
- Delicious – This creamy hot cocoa recipe is so much better than any of the powdered mixes you’ll find at the store. You will never buy another one again!
- 10 Minutes – Such a simple and quick recipe, only using one pot!
- Ingredient Control: most powdered hot chocolate mixes from the store are actually “hot cocoa” (they’re made with cocoa powder, rather than real chocolate), and they’re full of strange ingredients. I love knowing, and controlling, exactly what is in my hot cocoa!
How to make Hot Cocoa:
Combine cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water. Bring mixture to a slow boil, stirring continuously. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Add Milk: Stir in milk and heat until very hot, but not boiling! Remove from heat then add vanilla.
Serve: Divide between four mugs then add the half and half. Let it cool to drinking temperature then top with whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!
More Holiday Drinks:
- Homemade Eggnog
- Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
- Homemade Sparkling Apple Cider
- Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch
- Frozen Hot Chocolate
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Recipe
Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- dash of salt
- 4 cups whole milk , divided
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the cocoa and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water.
- Bring to a slow boil, stirring continuously. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and stir continually for 2 minutes.
- Stir in 3 ½ cups milk and heat until very hot, but not boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs.
- Serve: Add another splash of milk to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature, if desired. Top with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Rewarm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
Notes
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe November 2013. Updated November 2019 and February 2024.
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Reminds me of what my grandma used to make.
SO GOOD
Great suggested! Doing that now – perfect!
Yummy!
Just made this and it is so good! Don’t think I’d go back to store bought. Note: I used only 2.5 cups of milk for a richer flavor plus I just made it for the hubby and I. Another fantastic recipe by Lauren 🥰
Love it. 2nd time making it.
Really delicious and rich! So much better than store bought powder and without the preservatives!!
Delicious
So good! And really fun to make with the kids.
Amazing!!!!! I added less milk than in the recipe (2 1/3 cups and the normal amount of half and half) so it would be a little richer but thats just my personal tastes. This is my go to recipie for now on 🙂
Add ice cream instead of half and half, it will get a thicker, sweeter, and creamier flavour
Great suggested! Doing that now – perfect!
Sooooo excited to try this!
Yum! I always love trying new HC recipes! Pinning for sure!