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How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate With Cocoa Powder and Milk

02/05/2025
Dairy Nutrition
Total time: 15 min
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Servings: 4
Two mugs of homemade hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon on a table.
Cream Milk

Now is the perfect time to make hot chocolate with cocoa powder at home. And here’s the secret to making it as creamy and rich as possible: milk.

That’s because milkfat and milk minerals enhance the cocoa flavor. Whether you make it with chocolate chips (like in the recipe below) or with a cocoa powder mix, milk provides the ultimate smooth flavor. For a simple hot chocolate recipe, using cocoa powder is the easiest way to create delicious homemade hot chocolate that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Hot chocolate with cocoa powder is our best friend this winter, perfect for both milk and chocolate milk lovers. Whether you’re wondering how to make hot chocolate with cocoa powder at home or looking for a quick hot cocoa recipe, we recommend making this one your new go-to. Thanks to this recipe from Rebecca Andexler, you can create the best homemade hot chocolate for the colder months. With each sip, you’ll taste the difference that comes with homemade hot chocolate, made from the heart with love and a little cocoa magic

163 people made this

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
  • 4 Cups Whole Milk , or fat level of choice
  • 2 (12-ounce) Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips , see notes*
  • 3 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract , see notes**
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
See preparation

Optional Garnish

  • Whipped Cream
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Chocolate , shaved

Directions:

  1. Combine sugar and cocoa powder in a medium, heavy-bottom pot and whisk until evenly combined. Whisk in milk and bring to a simmer on stovetop over low heat. A pot of cocoa powder and milk heating on the stovetop.
  2. Stir in chocolate chips, vanilla extract and salt then stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth. A pot of cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips whisked together on the stovetop.
  3. Pour hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips or chocolate shavings as desired. A glass mug of homemade cocoa with milk, alongside another mug topped with marshmallows and chocolate chips.

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