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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    Homemade Hot Cocoa

    Modified: Dec 3, 2024 · Published: Dec 30, 2015 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · Leave a Comment

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    Homemade Hot Cocoa is so decadent, delicious, and it only needs a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Ready in minutes!

    homemade hot cocoa made using only a few pantry staple ingredients

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    • Homemade Hot Chocolate
    • Ingredients Needed for Homemade Hot Cocoa:
    • How to prepare:
    • Toppings to try
    • Other tasty drink recipes to try
    • Homemade Hot Cocoa

    Homemade Hot Chocolate

    When I was little, my dad would make us a cup of his “famous” hot cocoa and I remember being so excited. Not only was it creamy, but it had the perfect amount of chocolate, and of course…. topped with whipped cream, I was in heaven.

    Now that I am married and have kids, this is a favorite among everyone. My kids love theirs with whipped cream, I love mine with a splash of Kahlua (ha-ha) and this is the perfect go to drink during the winter. Since my kiddos call my dad “pop pop”, this drink has been labelled accordingly!

    If you like hot cocoa and are looking for the best recipe around, look no further! Best part of all, you most likely have all the ingredients on hand!

    Ingredients Needed for Homemade Hot Cocoa:

    *This makes one mug of hot cocoa, adjust recipe accordingly

    • 2 tbsp. cocoa powder
    • 2 tbsp. sugar
    • 1 cup milk
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Dash of Salt
    • Whipped Cream
    • Kahlua (optional)

    How to prepare:

    1. In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt.
    2. Whisk mixture over low-medium heat until all is melted and combined.
    3. Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream.

    *If using Kahlua, stir in desired amount prior to putting drink into mugs!

    a mug of creamy hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and cinnamon

    One of the best things about making hot cocoa from scratch is that you can make it exactly the way you want it!

    • Want it extra rich? Add some half and half.
    • Want it less sweet? Use bittersweet/dark chocolate chips or reduce the sugar.
    • Want it healthier? Use skim milk or almond milk.
    • Want flavored hot chocolate? Add cinnamon, peppermint extract, a shot of espresso, Kahlua, or even a drizzle of caramel.

    So many options to make this your own!

    Toppings to try

    I don’t know about you, but toppings can be the best part of hot chocolate! Have fun with it and be creative!

    • Whipped Cream
    • Sprinkles
    • Cherries
    • Sprinkled Cinnamon
    • Chocolate Syrup
    • Marshmallows
    • Caramel Sauce
    • Chocolate Chips (any flavor)
    • Crushed Candy Cane (or a candy cane stick)

    Other tasty drink recipes to try

    Frozen Mudslides

    Whipped Coffee

    Gingerbread White Russian

    Simple Rumchata Hot Chocolate

    Bailey’s Boozy Hot Cocoa

    Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
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    Homemade Hot Cocoa

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Homemade Hot Cocoa is so decadent, delicious, and it only needs a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Ready in minutes!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Drinks
    Servings 1
    Calories 264 kcal

    Equipment

    • Sauce Pan
    • Coffee Mugs

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
    • 2 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 cup milk
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 dash salt
    • toppings of choice

    Instructions
     

    • In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt.
    • Whisk mixture over low-medium heat until all is melted and combined.
    • Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream.
      *If using Kahlua, stir in desired amount prior to putting drink into mugs!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 10gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 4gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 395IUCalcium: 313mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

     

    More Christmas

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    • a sticky bun breakfast ring on a serving platter.
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    • a creamy cocktail made with only a few ingredients.
      Salted Caramel White Russian
    • Christmas Cookie Collection
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    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

    More about me →

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