Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa- better than a mix!

Store-bought might be tempting, but this Homemade Hot Cocoa recipe will win every time! It’s made with cocoa powder and other simple ingredients, is ready in just 7 minutes and makes the perfect cozy drink for a cold day.

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This easy hot cocoa recipe reminds me of fall days and winter nights growing up. My mom would make this often and I was always waiting near by eagerly waiting to enjoy it!

It’s a simple, sweet treat that I now serve to my own family, and it’s always popular on a chilly day or when we watch holiday movies together. I think that extra touch of “homemade” is worth making this hot cocoa and skipping the store-bought mix packets!

Why You’ll Make this Simple Hot Cocoa Regularly

• Super easy. It’s as simple as heating liquid on the stove-top!
• Budget-friendly. The total cost is just around $2, making it a super inexpensive treat.
• Simple ingredients. Made using just a few basic pantry staples that you likely already have in your cupboard!
• Healthier. No artificial ingredients or preservatives and minimal sugar means you can feel good about serving this to your family!
• Easy to adjust sweetness and richness. Feel free to add less sugar or replace the milk with a plant-based one.
• Deep flavor and creamy texture. Simmering the cocoa powder with water and sugar helps bring out the chocolate flavor, while the milk gives this cocoa a smooth, creamy taste.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Ingredients

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Adds that rich chocolate flavor without extra sugar.
• Sugar. Sweetens the cocoa and balances its bitterness.
• Warm Water. Helps make a smooth cocoa mixture before adding the milk.
• Milk. Whole milk creates the creamy base we want! You could try another milk, but I prefer whole vs. low-fat. Go for plant-based milk, but if it’s already sweetened, start with ¼ cup sugar instead.
• Salt. A small pinch makes the taste pop.
• Vanilla Extract. Adds warmth and depth.
• Marshmallows (or Whipped Cream). Classic toppings for extra sweetness and creaminess. Choose whatever your fave is- I’m partial to marshmallows myself!

How to Make Hot Cocoa with Cocoa Powder 

Step 1: Combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Add the warm water, then whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 3 minutes, reducing the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Stir in the milk and heat until hot. Don’t let it boil, and stir frequently to help prevent scorching.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Step 5: Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream (try my recipe) and enjoy!

Suggested Substitutions or Variations

• Plant-based milk. I suggest oat milk or unsweetened soy as substitutes. They don’t alter the taste like coconut milk can and come out just as creamy.
• Add caramel. Put a generous drizzle into your mug before pouring in the warm cocoa—it’s delightful!
• Make it peppermint hot cocoa. Make it festive by adding ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract before serving. Stir it in well!

Helpful Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove using low heat or in the microwave.
• Enjoy cold: This is delicious cold as well, and makes a great chocolate milk! It feels almost too rich and chocolately though when it’s cold, so we usually add a bit more milk to any leftovers if we are enjoying it this way.

More Sweet Drinks You’ll Love

• Easy Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino
• Warm Vanilla Custard Drink
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

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Homemade Hot Cocoa (Hot Chocolate)

This simple hot cocoa recipe couldn't be easier! It uses real cocoa powder and whole milk, creating a rich, creamy treat your whole family will love!

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time7 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Author: Lydia @ ThriftyFrugalMom.com

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• medium saucepan
• whisk

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup warm water
• 4 cups milk
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• whipped cream or marshmallows, optional

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and salt; add warm water and whisk until smooth.
• Bring to a simmer, stirring continuously, and cook for 3 minutes, reducing the heat if needed.
• Stir in the milk; heat through. Do not allow to boil, as it will scorch the milk.
• Remove from heat and mix in vanilla.
• Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

Milk: Any milk can be used, but whole milk makes it the creamiest, versus 2% or low-fat milk.

Make it dairy-free: Oat milk and unsweetened soy are good options. You can reduce the sugar if using a plant-based milk that is already sweetened. Use a ¼ cup sugar instead.

Homemade Whipped Cream: Try this instead of store-bought for the yummiest whipped cream topping!

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove using low heat or in the microwave.

Leftovers: This is delicious cold as well and makes a great chocolate milk! It is really rich though, so we usually add a bit more milk to any leftovers if we are drinking it cold. 

Crockpot: Keep hot cocoa warm by using the warm setting on your crockpot. Just make sure the hot cocoa is nice and hot before transferring it to the crockpot, as it will not heat it well enough if cold ingredients are added.