In cold weather months, hot cocoa is a must and this homemade recipe never disappoints. Show
It’s creamy, chocolatey, and everything hot cocoa should be. Did I mention how easy it is to make? Scroll down and I’ll show you how it’s done in a quick video, or you can print the recipe for later at the bottom of the page. There’s nothing like a cup of homemade hot cocoa made with real cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It’s another reason we love the cold months! I’ve experimented with a few recipes like the Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Strawberry Hot Chocolate– incredible, but the classic will always be #1 at my house! Did you know there’s technically a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, the former is made with cocoa powder, while hot chocolate is made with actual chocolate! How to Make Hot ChocolateLet’s whip this up! For measurements & a printable form of the recipe, be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Hot Cocoa IngredientsI used to keep hot cocoa packets on hand for quick use on a cold day, but nothing compares to hot cocoa made with real cocoa powder. Unfortunately, the packets usually contain hydrogenated oils, preservatives, and corn syrup solids- bummer. Thankfully, homemade hot cocoa is extremely easy to prepare with a few pantry staples such as unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. You can also batch make this recipe into your own DIY Hot Cocoa Mix, that way it’s on hand to stir into hot milk for a quick treat on a cold day. Make Next: Caramel Hot Cocoa Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredient SwapsAlthough it is a treat, you can make it healthier without sacrificing taste. Sugar Dairy-free milk Want an epic dessert to pair with your healthier hot cocoa? You’ve got to try one of the recipes from my latest cookbook Clean Treats CookbookHealthy and wholesome dessert recipes you’ll want to eat made with clean ingredients you already have on hand. Dutch Process vs. Unsweetened Cocoa PowderUnsweetened cocoa powder is slightly more acidic than Dutch-processed cocoa, giving it a sharper flavor. As far as hot cocoa goes, you can use both, but the taste will differ. Hot cocoa made with unsweetened cocoa powder will have a richer flavor, while Dutch processed tastes flatter and usually needs to be offset with more sugar and full-fat milk. Not sure how to tell the difference? A quick scan on the label should indicate whether it’s regular or Dutch powder. Why Do You Add Vanilla at the End?Vanilla is like alcohol and usually made with it, and it evaporates and cooks down when heated. When you’re making this hot cocoa recipe, you add the vanilla last because the vanilla will evaporate and the taste will not be as strong, or it could completely disappear if you add it too early. Hot Chocolate Toppings & Add-InsToppings are a fun and delicious bonus for hot cocoa, and sometimes we like to go over the top! Whether you want to make hot cocoa for an afternoon treat or create a hot cocoa bar for a party, these topping ideas will be a hit.
Speaking of peppermint, add in a drop of peppermint extract for a copycat version of Starbuck’s peppermint hot chocolate. Homemade Hot CocoaNothing compares to homemade hot cocoa, and this recipe is so easy to make with unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt.
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What to Serve with Hot ChocolateHealthy No-Bake Blondies – For a guilt-free snack, check out how these healthy blondies are made. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – What goes great with hot cocoa? Chocolate chip cookies of course! Check out my fool-proof recipe. Healthy Desserts – Sip sip horray! Now it’s time to pick one of these healthy desserts to go with your hot cocoa. What can you use instead of hot chocolate powder?What can I use if I don't have cocoa powder? If you do not have cocoa powder, you may substitute carob powder or cacao powder in the same unit of measurement. Cocoa powder is probably the easiest to find in the aisle with the baking goods in the grocery store.
Can you substitute cocoa powder for hot cocoa?Hot cocoa mix can actually be used as a cocoa powder substitute in your favorite chocolate desserts. Hot chocolate desserts, like hot chocolate mug cakes, hot chocolate cookies, and hot cocoa cupcakes, use store-bought powdered mix and go way beyond your mug.
What can I use instead of cocoa powder and chocolate?Carob Chips
Like carob powder, they are naturally sweet. Like chocolate chips, they also usually have additional ingredients such as sugar, fat, and milk. Carob chips can be used as a substitute in the same way as chocolate chips are used. Measure them in a ½ cup for 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
Can you mix cocoa with hot water?As a guideline, ½ cup of cocoa mix and ½ cup hot water is the right amount for me to enjoy in one serving. I like to put the hot cocoa mix in the cup and add the hot liquid on top, and stir, in order to not get any lumps.
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