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A white ceramic mug filled with hot cocoa and marshmallows sitting next to Christmas ornaments and fairy lights.

Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate (With Cocoa Powder)

This homemade hot chocolate recipe uses pantry staples to make a rich, creamy drink that actually tastes like chocolate. It is easy to adjust the sweetness and takes less than five minutes to make.
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Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 mug

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar or sweetener of your choice
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 pinch cinnamon optional
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions

Method 1: Paste Method (Single Mug)

  • Add the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to the bottom of your mug.
    1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch cinnamon
  • Heat up the heavy cream and add it to the mug.
    2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Stir vigorously until the mixture turns into a smooth, dark syrup. Make sure you mash any dry lumps against the side of the mug.
  • Heat your milk in a separate container (microwave or stovetop) until it is hot.
    1 cup milk
  • Pour the hot milk into the mug with the chocolate paste and stir gently to combine.
    1 cup milk
  • Stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and enjoy!
    ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method 2: Stovetop Method (For Smoother Flavor)

  • In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
    1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch cinnamon
  • Pour the heavy cream and cold milk into the saucepan.
    2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 cup milk
  • Turn the heat to medium and start whisking immediately.
  • Keep whisking as the milk warms up. The powder will eventually dissolve completely into the liquid.
  • Heat until you see steam rising and small bubbles around the edge. Do not let it boil over.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract (if using), pour into your mug, and enjoy!
    ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate (With Cocoa Powder)
Serving Size
 
1 mug
Amount per Serving
Calories
235
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2.5
g
Cholesterol
 
24
mg
8
%
Sodium
 
260
mg
11
%
Potassium
 
420
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
 
34
g
11
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
31
g
34
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
395
IU
8
%
Calcium
 
300
mg
30
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.