Rich Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
An indulgent hot chocolate made with whole milk, heavy cream, and real cocoa powder for the most decadent cup you'll ever taste at home.
How to Make the Best Rich Homemade Hot Chocolate
Forget the powdered packets—this from-scratch hot chocolate delivers the kind of rich, velvety decadence you’d expect from a European chocolate shop. The secret is using a blend of whole milk and heavy cream with real cocoa powder.
What Makes This Hot Chocolate Special
Most hot chocolate recipes skimp on the cream, but that extra richness is what transforms a simple cocoa drink into something truly luxurious. The combination of white and brown sugar adds complexity, with the molasses notes in brown sugar complementing the chocolate beautifully.
Temperature Matters
Heat your hot chocolate slowly and never let it boil. Boiling can cause the milk proteins to break down and create an unpleasant texture. Aim for steaming and hot, around 160-180°F, which is the sweet spot for maximum enjoyment.
Ways to Dress It Up
- Mexican style - Add a pinch of cayenne and cinnamon
- Peppermint - Stir in crushed candy canes
- Salted caramel - Drizzle with caramel sauce and add flaky sea salt
- Mocha - Add a shot of espresso
This is the kind of hot chocolate worth lingering over on a cold evening.
Rich Homemade Hot Chocolate
An indulgent hot chocolate made with whole milk, heavy cream, and real cocoa powder for the most decadent cup you'll ever taste at home.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate
Toppings (Optional)
Instructions
Make the Hot Chocolate
- Combine the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, both sugars, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk thoroughly over medium heat until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
- Continue heating while whisking frequently until the mixture is steaming and reaches your desired temperature. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and taste, adjusting sweetness if needed.
- Pour into mugs and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- The combination of white and brown sugar creates a more complex, caramel-like sweetness.
- Dutch-process cocoa powder gives a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- For adults, stir in a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps.
- Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated and reheated, though it may need additional whisking.
- For a lighter version, use 2% milk and half-and-half instead of whole milk and cream.