Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate

Easy homemade hot chocolate made with cocoa powder, melted chocolate chips, milk of choice, and pure maple syrup. This creamy hot cocoa recipe is dairy free friendly, naturally sweetened, and ready in minutes. Perfect for cozy days, kids, and quick winter drinks at home.

Ingredients

• 3 cups milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk works well)
• ¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Add the milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and sea salt to a medium saucepan set over medium heat.
2. Whisk or stir occasionally until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and hot.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour into mugs and serve immediately. Top with marshmallows or whipped topping if desired.

Tips

• Whisk continuously once the milk is warm to prevent cocoa powder from clumping.
• Heat gently and avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth.
• Taste and adjust sweetness before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use oat milk, whole milk, or coconut milk for different flavor profiles.
• Swap maple syrup for honey or agave syrup.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for extra warmth.
• Stir in a spoon of peanut butter for a richer drink.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy free?
Yes, use any plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stove.

Is this very sweet?
It’s mildly sweet. Adjust the maple syrup to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with cookies, biscotti, or a slice of cake.
• Top with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or shaved chocolate.
• Add a candy cane for a festive touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in minutes with simple pantry ingredients
• Rich chocolate flavor without refined sugar
• Easy to customize for dietary needs
• Perfect for cozy mornings or evenings

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate

Recipe by el hassan

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

354

kcal

Ingredients

• 3 cups milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk works well)

• ¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup

• Pinch of coarse sea salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• Add the milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and sea salt to a medium saucepan set over medium heat.
• Whisk or stir occasionally until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and hot.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Pour into mugs and serve immediately. Top with marshmallows or whipped topping if desired.