A simple and delicious homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips, this all-natural Hot Chocolate for two (or four or more) uses common pantry ingredients.
Start by whisking together your cocoa powder and water in a small saucepan. Turn heat to medium-high, pour in milk, whisking to combine. Whisk occasionally, but do not let the mixture boil, just heat until steaming.
Reduce heat to low, adding chocolate chips. Let stand for 30 seconds until chocolate is melted, then whisk or stir to combine.
Add sugar a tablespoon at a time until desired sweetness acheived. Add a little salt (less for sweeter hot chocolate). Continue stirring until warmed through. Stir in vanilla extract and serve.
Notes
Variations & Substitutions
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate (Vegan) | You can make this hot chocolate dairy free! Use any plant-based milk, I have used oat milk and almond milk, they are the creamiest and my favorites, but coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk works . Purchase some dairy-free chocolate chips and you are all set.
Hot Chocolate Bar | Put out bowls of various chocolate chips, including white chocolate chips and peanut butter chips (yum!), try a candy cane for the holidays, fun to stir with, some various chocolate sauces, maybe a caramel sauce, definitely marshmallows and a can of whipped cream (I love my whipped cream dispenser, homemade whipped cream in seconds!).
Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate | Start with unsweetened chocolate chips or chocolate bar, don't add sugar, but instead try using monk fruit a great no-calorie alternative.
Baileys Hot Chocolate | Add 1-2 ounces of Irish Cream Liqueur (yum!)
Mint or Mocha Hot Chocolate | Add some peppermint extract or syrup, for a mocha hot chocolate, add a shot of espresso in place of some water or add a teaspoon of espresso powder.
How to Top your Hot Chocolate
Top with whipping cream; from a can, homemade or frozen.
Marshmallows | the classic way to top hot chocolate! Make homemade marshmallows
Naked | this would be my youngest sons preference, keep the marshmallows on the side, maybe drizzle a little chocolate sauce of the sides of the glass.
Cocoa Powder | Sprinkle with a light dusting of cocoa powder
Chocolate Jimmies | Why not? These are my favorite all natural jimmies.
How to Make Whipped Cream Bombs
Using an ice cube mold or even small tupperware, or use those silicone chocolate bomb molds you bought.
Whip real whipping cream until thick, add a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla, continue whipping until really thick (almost butter).
Using a spoon or spatula, scoop and smooth whipped cream into desired mold, freeze for at least 6 hours, preferable overnight.
Run under warm water for 30-60 seconds to release from mold, place in mug and pour hot chocolate over the top or place on top.
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate | Replace the milk with your favorite plant based milk, Oat milk is especially delicious!