A cup of Homemade Hot Chocolate warms both body and soul, turning simple moments into cherished memories. This rich, creamy, old-fashioned hot cocoa recipe brings comfort and sweetness to any day.
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What's the Scoop on this Hot Cocoa Recipe
When my oldest daughter was a teenager, I’d often stay up late, long after her dad had gone to bed, just to catch a few precious moments with her when she returned from a date or whatever else she had going on. Most nights, I’d have a pot of homemade hot chocolate ready for us to share, and it quickly became our little ritual—our late-night cocoa. When her friends would visit in the evenings, I’d make cocoa for them too. Before long, they started to expect it, even look forward to it, often telling me over steaming cups that my hot cocoa was their favorite. They’d joke that I should call their moms and tell them to “use more chocolate.”
What I wouldn’t give to make those kids—now grown with children of their own—just one more cup.
So, Leisha, Krista, Kirsten, Michelle B, Wayne, and everyone else who ever shared a late-night cup of hot cocoa in my kitchen—this is for you. Thank you for those moments you gave me, even the ones that ended with dry-ice explosions in the backyard. I think of you every time I drink a cup of cocoa, especially on these dark, crisp Friday nights after the boys of fall have played their games. I always will.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Ingredients
Homemade hot cocoa is made with simple pantry staples, plus your milk of choice.
- Cocoa powder: We suggest using a natural cocoa powder, which give hot cocoa a rich, robust flavor. Dutch-process cocoa can give your hot chocolate a flat, uninspired flavor.
- Powdered Sugar
- Powdered milk: Sub in coconut milk powder for a dairy-free option.
- Salt
- Vanilla
- Milk: We prefer using 2% milk. For a delicious dairy-free alternative, try using an almond-coconut milk blend.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make this Recipe
Making homemade cocoa is as simple as whisking the ingredients in a medium saucepan and heating it all over medium-low heat. Whisk until it reaches the desired temperature.
Serve with marshmallows and love.
Mama's Homemade Hot Cocoa
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk
- 1 dash kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2½ cups milk
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk frequently until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Serve with marshmallows and love.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Kayla says
I am in charge of a hot cocoa bar for a wedding shower and I was needing a recipe! THANKS!
Renée ♥ says
What a great idea for a cold-weather wedding!! You could do all kinds of flavors too! I love that!
pech says
What a wonderful story to go with this! I used to love hot chocolate in Chicago winters, or in ski lodges, nor sure why I never thought of having it more often. I will have to add it into comfort rotation and try this recipe with the secret of salt out!
Kaylyn says
Super yummy! Thanks for sharing...enjoying some now and thinking of you.
Renée ♥ says
♥
Adventures in Dressmaking says
Sweet story. =) I remember when I learned to make homemade hot chocolate when I was in high school--I used milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla--and it was soooo much better than the storebought!
I'm Paleo now so I limit my dairy and don't eat any processed foods, but I do love a good coconut milk/chocolate pudding or sundae with some nuts, frozen blueberries, or chocolate bits, and cinnamon on top!
Things that take a little longer tend to be so much better! =)
Maggie @Maggiecooks says
Yes! I can't wait to drink lots of hot chocolate this season! & Can't wait to try yours! 🙂
Greetings from Mexico!
Renée ♥ says
Thanks for stopping by, Maggie! I just checked your site and pinned your flan recipe - I Looooooove making flan. I love eating it even more!! (I've never seen a flanera though - that's pretty cool!)