10+ Hot Chocolate Recipes to Warm Up Your Winter Days

Hot chocolate is a warm and comforting drink that many people enjoy, especially when the weather is cold. You can make it at home in many different ways, from simple mixes to rich, creamy recipes.

Whether you like it sweet or a little bitter, thick or light, there is a recipe for you to try.

---

Ingredients:

• Milk (whole or 2%)
• Cocoa powder or chocolate
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling (around 180°F/82°C).
2. Add cocoa powder or chopped chocolate and sugar.
3. Stir until everything is melted and well mixed.
4. Add a splash of vanilla if you like.
5. Pour into a mug and enjoy.

1) Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate with Cocoa and Sugar

You can make a simple hot chocolate using just cocoa powder and sugar. Start by mixing the cocoa and sugar in a small bowl.

Heat milk on the stove until it is warm but not boiling—about 160°F (71°C). Slowly whisk the cocoa and sugar mix into the warm milk.

Keep stirring until everything is smooth and fully combined. You can add a pinch of salt or a dash of vanilla for extra flavor if you want.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix cocoa powder and sugar in a bowl.
2. Heat milk in a saucepan to 160°F (71°C).
3. Slowly whisk the cocoa mixture into the warm milk.
4. Stir continuously until smooth.
5. Serve warm.

2) Creamy Hot Cocoa with Vanilla Extract

This creamy hot cocoa is smooth and comforting. Start by mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt with boiling water.

This helps the cocoa dissolve fully. Next, add warm milk slowly while stirring.

The vanilla extract gives a sweet flavor that makes your cocoa taste special. Use any milk you like, but whole milk or 2% works best for a richer texture.

Heat the mixture gently until it’s hot enough to enjoy, not boiling.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup white sugar
• Pinch of salt
• ⅓ cup boiling water
• 3 ½ cups milk
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a pot.
2. Stir in boiling water until smooth.
3. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly.
4. Heat gently over medium, do not boil, until hot (around 160°F/71°C).
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Pour into mugs and serve warm.

3) Rich Bittersweet Chocolate Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate is perfect when you want something rich and smooth. You use bittersweet chocolate, which gives a deep chocolate flavor without being too sweet.

Combining milk and cream makes it creamy and thick. Heat the milk and cream gently with cinnamon sticks for a hint of spice.

Melt the chocolate into the warm milk mixture until it is silky and smooth.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 4 cups light cream or half-and-half
• 1 (12-ounce) package bittersweet chocolate pieces
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour milk and cream into a saucepan with cinnamon sticks.
2. Heat slowly over medium heat until just simmering (around 180°F / 82°C).
3. Remove cinnamon sticks.
4. Stir in bittersweet chocolate pieces until fully melted.
5. Whisk until smooth and serve warm.

4) Double Boiler Melted Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Using a double boiler lets you melt chocolate gently. This stops it from burning and keeps it smooth.

Mix melted chocolate with milk and a bit of sugar for a rich, creamy drink. Add cinnamon or a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.

Whisk everything well so the mixture is warm and even. Serve in your favorite mug.

Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if you like.

Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped chocolate
• 1½ cups milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
2. Add chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir until melted.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Slowly add milk while whisking.
5. Heat gently until warm, about 140°F (60°C).
6. Pour into mugs and enjoy.

5) Italian Style Thick Hot Chocolate with Cornstarch

This Italian-style hot chocolate is thick and creamy thanks to cornstarch. It feels like a rich dessert rather than just a drink.

Gently heat milk while mixing in cocoa powder, sugar, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps the drink thicken as it warms.

Stir constantly to avoid lumps and to get a creamy consistency. You can add a little vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups milk
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons milk (extra for cornstarch mix)

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, and remaining milk.
3. Heat the mix over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture while stirring.
5. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, do not boil.
6. Remove from heat and serve warm.

For more details, check this Italian Hot Chocolate recipe.

6) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips for a smooth and rich drink. Melt the chocolate chips directly into warm milk for a creamy texture.

Using semi-sweet chips balances sweet and bitter flavors. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate taste.

Stir well until the chips are fully melted and the drink is smooth. Gently heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave.

Be careful not to boil it, as overheating can change the flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm the milk in a saucepan on medium heat or microwave it until hot but not boiling.
2. Add the chocolate chips and salt to the warm milk.
3. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour into a mug and enjoy warm.

7) Hot Chocolate with Heavy Cream and Whole Milk

If you want a creamy and rich hot chocolate, use both heavy cream and whole milk. The heavy cream adds thickness and smoothness.

The whole milk balances the richness so it’s not too heavy. Heat the milk and cream gently.

Don’t boil it, just warm it until you see steam, about 160°F (71°C). Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.

This recipe uses real chocolate or cocoa powder for deep flavor. It’s perfect when you want a cozy, indulgent drink that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1¾ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1½ tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm the milk and heavy cream in a pot over medium heat to 160°F (71°C).
2. Add cocoa powder, sugar, and stir until fully dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
4. Pour into a mug and enjoy warm.

8) Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate uses dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for a rich, slightly bitter taste. It’s perfect if you want a drink that feels smooth but not too sweet.

Use almond milk, whole milk, or any milk you prefer. Heat your milk gently until warm, then add finely chopped dark chocolate.

Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the drink is creamy. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

If you like, sweeten it lightly with maple syrup or sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• 2 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until about 160°F (71°C).
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate.
3. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla, stirring well.
5. Pour into a mug and enjoy warm.

For more ideas, check out this dark hot chocolate recipe.

9) Light Brown Sugar Sweetened Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate uses light brown sugar to add a gentle caramel flavor. It’s a nice alternative to regular sugar and gives your drink a cozy, sweet touch.

Heat your milk gently. Mix in cocoa powder and the light brown sugar until everything is smooth.

Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. A little vanilla extract can deepen the flavor.

Stir well and enjoy your warm cup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm (about 160°F / 71°C).
2. Whisk in cocoa powder, light brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour into a cup and serve warm.

10) Hot Cocoa Made with Unsweetened Cocoa Powder and Boiling Water

You can quickly make hot cocoa using unsweetened cocoa powder and boiling water. This method works well when you don’t have milk or want a lighter drink.

Mix cocoa powder with hot water. Add sugar to taste.

Boiling water dissolves the cocoa and sugar so your drink is smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt or a drop of vanilla for extra flavor.

If you want, add marshmallows or whipped cream on top.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup boiling water (212°F / 100°C)
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water until it reaches 212°F (100°C).
2. In a cup, mix cocoa powder and sugar.
3. Pour the boiling water over the cocoa and sugar mixture.
4. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth.
5. Add salt or vanilla if you want extra flavor.
6. Enjoy while warm.