The Ultimate Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa (Stovetop & Mix Options)
Learn how to make rich, creamy hot cocoa from scratch on your stovetop that tastes better than any store-bought mix. This guide also includes a simple recipe for a shelf-stable dry mix for quick, delicious mugs anytime.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk (or preferred milk)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped (optional, for extra richness)
- For Hot Cocoa Mix: 2 cups powdered sugar
- For Hot Cocoa Mix: 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- For Hot Cocoa Mix: 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the milk, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, but do not let it boil.
- If using, stir in the finely chopped chocolate until it melts completely and the cocoa is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- For immediate serving: Pour the rich, creamy hot cocoa into mugs. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
- For Hot Cocoa Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until fully combined and lump-free.
- Store the dry mix in an airtight container. To prepare one serving of mix: Whisk 3 tablespoons of the mix with 1 cup of hot milk or water until smooth.
Notes
- For a thicker, more decadent drink, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of some of the milk.
- To make the dry mix giftable, layer the ingredients in a mason jar and tie a ribbon around it with instructions attached.
- You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in the stovetop recipe for a slight caramel note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 25