Although we’ve been waiting anxiously for a significant snow storm this winter (and are more than a little jealous of our neighbors to the north who got a real live blizzard last week!), we have been lucky enough to get a few snow showers since Christmas, and this hot chocolate has become one of our favorite “snow day” treats!
It comes together quickly on the stove, and while sugar is sugar, I feel better about serving this homemade treat (with whole milk, fair-trade cocoa and just a few additional ingredients) to my girls than the stuff that comes in little packets. And it’s a whole lot cheaper too!
Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine cocoa powder, sugar, salt and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
Add milk and cream and continue heating over medium-low until hot.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Makes 4 servings.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or (my favorite) cayenne pepper for a little spice.
- Use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
- Top with whipped cream.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
Your hot chocolote looks delicious!!
I hope you don’t mind me asking where
you got your 16 grand mug from…
My niece turns 16 mar. 1st and I thought
it would be perfect for her…
I would sooo appreciate it..
Sincerely,
Nancy Carlson
Oh gosh..Never mind I found them online..
I googled 16 grande mug and got Starbucks..
I should have known!!! LOL
Thank you anyway..
Sincerely,
Nancy
I’m glad you found it, Nancy! It’s my favorite mug; I hope your niece enjoys it too!
I have been making hot chocolate for my kids using unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with pure maple syrup
Because I try to avoid refined sugar when possible, I have been making hot chocolate for my kids by heating about 3 cups of milk (or almond milk) in a pot. In a small cup I mix an equal part of unsweetened cocoa and pure maple syrup (about 1/4 cup each). After the milk begins to steam, I whisk the cocoa/maple syrup mixture into the milk. Sometimes I add a little vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. My kids love it! I use the same method but add strong coffee to mine for a mocha style drink:-)
Love the idea of using maple syrup as a sweetener; I will have to try that!
Yum!!! We love hot cocoa. I think I’ll try this but with stevia. And man, whipping cream? You had me at cream. SHEW!
Okay, so I made this multiple times over the weekend. SCORE!
Love it! Thanks, Mandi!
Yay — so glad! It’s so creamy and rich, isn’t it?