Real white chocolate melted into creamy hot milk, with a touch of vanilla, all swirled together to make this white hot chocolate smooth, sweet, and irresistibly velvety. It’s everything you love about the Starbucks version, but it’s even better when made at home! With just 3 simple ingredients, you’ll have a café-worthy treat ready in minutes—let’s get stirring!
I developed this creamy white hot chocolate recipe for my boys (and when I say boys, I mean my husband and two boys 😉), who are total hot chocolate fanatics! They love that it’s made with real chocolate—no shortcuts, just pure, creamy goodness. Since white chocolate is a favorite, I thought this would be a fun twist on the classic, especially for those chilly days when they come in after playing in the snow or shoveling the driveway. Watching them warm up with a mug of this sweet, velvety treat is one of those special winter moments that makes me smile. And the best part? It’s ready in minutes, with no powders or syrups, just wholesome ingredients.
This white hot chocolate is hands-down better than the Starbucks version and saves you money, too! Plus, who really wants to bundle up and drive to Starbucks when you can make a cup right at home?
For this recipe, you can use either chopped white chocolate bars or high-quality white chocolate chips—whatever you have on hand works great. I’m partial to using whole milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor, but if you’re used to a lower milk fat, you can still get great results. Try mixing in a splash of half-and-half with your regular milk for an extra boost of creaminess—it really makes a difference!
I’m confident you’ll love this recipe as much as we do! It’s simple, satisfying, and brings that warm, comforting café vibe right to your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it just for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, it’s the perfect way to warm up, treat yourself, and stay cozy on a cold day.
Why You Will Love this White Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Easy | When I am making hot drinks or any drink for that matter, I want it to be simple and uncomplicated, this fits the bill. If you can heat milk, you can make this drink.
- High Quality Ingredients | You just need a few ingredients, so splurge for good ones, oh and the higher-quality white chocolate doesn’t not have fillers and is typically gluten-free. No white chocolate sauce in this white chocolate recipes!
- Versatile | I love recipes that I can make one batch of, then change it up for each person!
White Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients
Full recipe with measurements are in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- White Chocolate | Since white chocolate is the main ingredient you want to splurge on a high-quality white chocolate bar or chips (I like Guittard, it is non-GMO and Gluten-free, also love Ghirardelli, or Lindt) All of these have a higher percentage of cocoa butter. Technically a white chocolate bar is better, as it’s more pure, however for ease, I use chips, since that’s usually what I have on hand.
- Vanilla | Use real vanilla extract or try my homemade vanilla extract, I actually used Bourbon Vanilla Extract.
- Milk | I use whole milk, you could also use half and half or lower percentages of milk, even skim milk if that’s your thing, for this hot cocoa recipe.
- Salt | Yes! A pinch of salt brings out the flavor immensely! I love using flaky sea salt
How to Make Starbucks White Hot Chocolate
This white hot chocolate recipe could not be easier! Pretend like you are a Starbucks employee and make this coffee shop speciality drink the easy way! Can you heat milk? Throw in a few other ingredients and stir? You’ve got this!
- In a small saucepan, pour in milk and heat over medium-low heat until steaming, but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat, add white chocolate to the warm milk and let sit for 30 seconds, then whisk into the mixture. Return to low heat, add vanilla and flaky sea salt, stirring until smooth.
3. Heat until hot, but not boiling, serve immediately, see below for ways to top this delicious drink.
Variations & Substitutions
Dress your White Hot Chocolate recipe up for any season!
- Starbucks Peppermint white hot chocolate | Add a ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the milk mixture and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the whipped cream, definitely serve with a candy cane hooked on the glass.
- Valentine’s Day White Hot Chocolate | Add a drop or two of all-natural red food coloring to make your white hot chocolate pink, sprinkle pink and red hearts on top.
- Godiva White Hot Chocolate | This adult version of white hot chocolate uses Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur (or try making your own, a great gift!). Add 1-2 ounces when adding the white chocolate chips, serve with real whipped cream, white chocolate curls and a dusting of black cocoa for a dramatic drink.
- St. Patrick’s Day Hot Chocolate Recipe | Two ideas here; a kid and an adult version:
- Kid Version | Add a drop or two of all-natural green food coloring to the hot milk mixture. Serve with whipped cream or Fluff and sprinkle with edible gold stars and green sugar or jimmies.
- Adult Version | Swirl 2 ounces of Irish Cream Liqueur into the warmed milk when adding the white chocolate pieces; top with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh nutmeg and green jimmies.
Crock Pot White Hot Chocolate
White hot chocolate for a crowd!
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Increase milk to 6 cups, 9 ounces white chocolate (chopped or chips) and 2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract, plus 2-3 pinches of salt. Add white chocolate chips to the crock pot, pour in the milk, stir in vanilla and salt.
Heat on high for about 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring well after the first 30 minutes. When ready to serve, turn the crock pot to warm, stir or whisk to combine and serve. Serves 6-8, feel free to double for more people.
Be sure to serve with individual bowls of toppings like crushed candy canes, jimmies, whipped cream, marshmallows and your favorite sauces.
Fresh Tip
- If you want a White Chocolate Latte, use a frother to steam and froth the milk, then pour over the white chocolate chips, stirring gently.
White Hot Chocolate Toppings
- Whipped Cream | from a can, homemade or frozen.
- Whipped Cream | from a can, homemade or frozen.
- Marshmallows | the classic way to top white hot chocolate! Make homemade marshmallows <– my friend Tasia’s recipe. Or try mini dried marshmallows.
- Marshmallow Creme or Fluff | A generous dollop of this will make you swoon!
- Naked | this would be my youngest son’s preference, keep the marshmallows on the side, maybe drizzle a little chocolate syrup on the sides of the glass.
- Fresh Grated Nutmeg | Nutmeg, like on eggnog, enhances the flavors of white chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder | Sprinkle with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
- Chocolate Jimmies | These are my favorite all natural jimmies or try white jimmies.
- White or Dark Chocolate Curls | You can make your own, by using a room temperature bar of good chocolate (white or dark), and using a vegetable peeler, pull towards you on the side of the bar, creating a curl.
How to store White Chocolate Hot Chocolate
Store any leftovers in fridge, up to 3 days. To reheat, place in saucepan and heat over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the ingredients on their website, White Hot Chocolate is made using white chocolate mocha sauce, 2% milk and foam and topped with whipped cream.
The white chocolate mocha sauce has a LOT of sugar in it, so by using a high-quality white chocolate we reduce the sugar content dramatically. I’ve used whole milk, because it’s what we drink, but you can certainly use 2% if you choose. Instead of steaming the milk, we mimic the process on the stovetop, making our White Hot Chocolate easier and a wee bit healthier for you. Use a frother to whip it up!
It’s a little misleading since the sauce Starbucks uses contains the word mocha, which typically implies coffee and chocolate combined. However; there is not coffee in Starbucks white hot chocolate mocha syrup and there is none in this hot chocolate.
You bet! My suggestion would be to pull a 1-2 ounce espresso or brew some really strong coffee pour it into your mug, then pour the white hot chocolate on top. OR make it simpler and add 1 teaspoon of Espresso powder to the milk mixture when adding the white chocolate.
More great drink recipes
- Homemade Chai Tea Latte | this recipe will make a chai lover out of anyone!
- Bulletproof Butter Coffee | A warm, delicious, healthy get up and go drink!
- Hot Buttered Rum | A classic apres ski beverage, make the batter and keep it all winter
- Pomegranate Punch | A festive (but not just for the holidays) red punch!
- Maple Whiskey Sour | a personal favorite
- Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini | another wintertime classic cocktail or try this non-alcoholic version Cranberry Spritzer
- Cherry Bourbon Smash is a longtime reader favorite
I am joining other bloggers for Chocolate Week this week! Be sure to browse through all of the mouthwatering recipes below!
More Chocolate Recipes
- Brownie Mix Cookies from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
- Chocolate Caramels from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies from Palatable Pastime
- Brownie Muffins from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Chocolate Meringue Pie from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chocolate-Covered Brownie Hearts from The Redhead Baker
- Easy Black Forest Bundt Cake from Blogghetti
- Easy Chocolate Mousse from Devour Dinner
- Homemade Chocolate Syrup from Art of Natural Living
- Easy Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Fudge from The Spiffy Cookie
- Hot Chocolate Fudge from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Ice Cream Cake Roll from An Affair from the Heart
- Icebox Mocha Cake from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Orange Curd Brownies from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Coconut Bars from Family Around the Table
- Pork Tenderloin with Chocolate Molasses Gravy from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Red Velvet Pancakes from That Recipe
- Starbucks White Hot Chocolate from The Fresh Cooky
- Valentine Treat Board from Magical Ingredients
- White Chocolate Blondies from Shockingly Delicious
I hope you loved this Starbucks White Hot Chocolate Recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Starbucks White Hot Chocolate Recipe
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Print Pin Save RateEquipment
- Bean Envy Milk Frother for Coffee
Ingredients
- 3 ounces high-quality white chocolate chips, or chopped bar* a scant ½ cup
- ½-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract try Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups milk I use whole milk, but you can use half & half, 2% or other favorite
- 1 pinch of salt I like flaky sea salt for this
Topping Ideas
- See notes simple and delicious with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, pour in milk and heat over medium-low heat until steaming, but not boiling.
- Remove from heat, add white chocolate to the warm milk and let sit for 30 seconds, then whisk into the mixture. Return to low heat, add vanilla and flaky sea salt, stirring until smooth.
- Heat until hot, but not boiling, serve immediately, see below for ways to top this delicious drink.
- Store any leftovers in fridge, up to 3 days. To reheat, place in saucepan and heat over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
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Notes
- Whipped Cream | from a can, homemade or frozen.
- Marshmallows | the classic way to top white hot chocolate! Make homemade marshmallows <– my friend Tasia’s recipe. Or try mini dried marshmallows.
- Marshmallow Creme or Fluff | A generous dollop of this will make you swoon!
- Naked | Keep the marshmallows on the side, maybe drizzle a little chocolate sauce on the sides of the glass.
- Fresh Grated Nutmeg | Nutmeg, like on eggnog, enhances the flavors of white chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder | Sprinkle with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
- Chocolate Jimmies | These are my favorite all natural jimmies or try white jimmies.
- White or Dark Chocolate Curls | You can make your own, by using a room temperature bar of good chocolate (white or dark), and using a vegetable peeler, pull towards you on the side of the bar, creating a curl.
Variations
- Peppermint White Hot Chocolate | Add a ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the milk mixture and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the whipped cream, definitely serve with a candy cane hooked on the glass.
- Valentine’s Day White Hot Chocolate | Add a drop or two of all-natural red food coloring to make your white hot chocolate pink, sprinkle pink and red hearts on top.
- Godiva White Hot Chocolate | This adult version of white hot chocolate uses Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur (or try making your own, a great gift!). Add 1-2 ounces when adding the white chocolate chips, serve with real whipped cream, white chocolate curls and a dusting of black cocoa for a dramatic drink.
- St. Patrick’s Day Hot Chocolate Recipe | Two ideas here; a kid and an adult version:
- Kid Version | Add a drop or two of all-natural green food coloring to the hot milk mixture. Serve with whipped cream or Fluff and sprinkle with edible gold stars and green sugar or jimmies.
- Adult Version | Swirl 2 ounces of Irish Cream Liqueur into the warmed milk when adding the white chocolate pieces; top with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh nutmeg and green jimmies.
Nutrition
Anjali
Love this starbucks copycat recipe!! The starbucks white hot chocolate is one of my holiday favorites, but I love that I can now make it at home and it tastes just as good as the original!
Thank you!
Vanessa
This brought back memories of my University years when I would get a white hot chocolate at the coffee stand before early morning classes on Friday. Love all the real ingredients in this version though – will be making on repeat all winter long!
So glad you found it and enjoyed it Vanessa!
EMILY
I love white chocolate and this hot cocoa hit the spot. It was so easy to make, this could be dangerous! LOL
YAY! I know it is dangerous in our house too!
Nancy
Excellent copy cat hot chocolate recipe. Save some so much money then buying
Yay! Thank you Nancy!
MacKenzie
My daughter was so excited when I showed her this recipe. It’s her favorite Starbucks drink. Making this weekend
Yay! Always so fun when we do little things to make our kids smile!
Gina Abernathy
Wow! The weather is turning cooler and this drink was just what I needed. I’m enjoying it as I sit by the first fire of the season.
Ahh, I can picture you now!
Kris
This was even better than Starbucks!! Cannot wait to make again. Thank you!
Thanks so much Kris!
Sara Welch
I love a good copycat recipe and this was no exception! Turned out smooth, rich and delicious; easily, my new favorite way to warm up on a cool evening, indeed!
Thanks so much Sara, so grateful it warmed you!
Sharon
What a delicious cup of white hot chocolate that is just like Starbucks. I have a feeling this is going to be on my winter drink menu all season long.
Yay! Thanks Sharon!
Christie
I’ve made a white hot chocolate once. It was really good! I didn’t think I’d like it because I’m not a white chocolate fan. But it did open me up to trying others. Like this one. I can’t wait to try it.
So glad you love it!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
We are such peas in a pod Kathleen! Not really a hot chocolate fan myself, but I do love, love, love some white chocolate! So looking forward to making a cup to celebrate life!
I love it!! Life should be celebrated everyday!
Radha
White hot chocolate is my favorite! This is the best! This recipe is easy and now I am going to make a cup for myself. Thanks for sharing.
So glad you are going to make yourself some! We all need a bit of pampering sometimes!
Lisa Kerhin
One of my all time favs from the coffee shop. I can make it at home now!
Yes, my favorite thing to do!
Kathryn
This whitt hot chocolate is even better than Starbucks! It’s so easy to make with only 4 ingredinets. We loved it and will be making this all the time from now on, so good! Thank you so much!
Yipeee! Love hearing this!
Dorothy Reinhold
This may be trouble! I am going to want this all the time!
haha! Sorry, but not sorry!
Inger@Art of Natural Living
This is so pretty! I’ll be making this for Valentine’s Day (with the Godiva)!
Oh yes!!!
Jolene
My son prefers white hot chocolate over regular, he is going to love this!
Yay, loving making our kids’ day!
Cindy
I love a white chocolate drink. This one sounds so good!
Thanks so much!
Hezzi-D
One of my favorite winter drinks!
Mine too!
karen @karenskitchenstories
My grandson absolutely loves your recipe for this!!
I love hearing this Karen, thank you for sharing!
Rebecca
Layers of delicious white goodness right here. MMmmmm! Nothing better than a hot cup of this White Chocolate drink.
So glad you loved it Rebecca!
Wendy Klik
My granddaughter loves playing outside regardless of how cold it might be so I always warm her up with hot chocolate. I’m going to surprise her with this version next time. Thanks
This will be perfect! That is my kind of kiddo! Love that she’s outside regardless of the weather!