Homemade Hot Chocolate
Our part of world has only had the occasional super cold days this winter, but when those cold days hit – you know we make the most of it. Bundled up inside with a cup of steaming hot chocolate, maybe watching a movie or curled up with a good book.
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Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Rich & Chocolaty: The combination of cocoa powder and cinnamon creates a deep, warm, and indulgent chocolate flavor.
Dairy-Free & Naturally Sweetened: Made with unsweetened almond milk and honey, this is a great alternative to store-bought hot chocolate.
Easy to Make: Just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes are all you need for a cozy homemade treat.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add a pinch of cayenne for spice, or stir in vanilla extract for extra warmth.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly evening or a holiday gathering, this comforting drink is always a hit.
Ingredients to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate:
- milk. Use your preferred type of milk, such as whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for different flavors and textures.
- unsweetened cocoa powder. Provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste.
- honey. A natural sweetener that adds a touch of warmth. You can substitute with maple syrup, agave, or regular sugar based on preference.
- cinnamon. Enhances the flavor with a cozy, spiced touch. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a classic chocolate taste.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the almond milk until steaming but not boiling.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, honey, and cinnamon, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined.
- Continue heating for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the hot chocolate is warm and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and pour into a mug.
- Top with whipped cream, frothed almond milk, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- For a Creamier Texture: Use whole milk, half-and-half, or coconut milk for a richer and thicker hot chocolate.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg, cayenne, or sea salt for added depth.
- Make it Frothy: Blend the hot chocolate with a milk frother or immersion blender for a café-style foam.
- Dairy-Free Option: If using non-dairy milk, oat milk and coconut milk tend to be the creamiest alternatives.
- Chocolate Upgrade: Add a few chocolate chips or a square of dark chocolate for an even more indulgent drink.
Serving Suggestions:
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Vanilla Sheet Cake
- Coconut Flour Muffins
- Banana Walnut Bread
- Sourdough French Toast
- Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Allow the hot chocolate to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy and non-dairy milk can separate when frozen. Instead, prepare the dry mix ahead of time and store it in a sealed container.
FAQs:
Whisk the cocoa powder with a small amount of warm milk first, then slowly add the rest while whisking to ensure a smooth texture.
Yes! Let it cool, then serve over ice or blend with ice for a creamy frozen treat.
Try adding ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or sea salt for extra depth of flavor.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the almond milk until steaming but not boiling.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, honey, and cinnamon, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined.
- Continue heating for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the hot chocolate is warm and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and pour into a mug.
- Top with whipped cream, frothed almond milk, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Nutrition
Notes
-
- For a Creamier Texture: Use whole milk, half-and-half, or coconut milk for a richer and thicker hot chocolate.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg, cayenne, or sea salt for added depth.
- Make it Frothy: Blend the hot chocolate with a milk frother or immersion blender for a café-style foam.
- Dairy-Free Option: If using non-dairy milk, oat milk and coconut milk tend to be the creamiest alternatives.
- Chocolate Upgrade: Add a few chocolate chips or a square of dark chocolate for an even more indulgent drink.
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