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Easy Hot Chocolate Recipe

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This quick homemade hot chocolate brings double-chocolate flavor with both cocoa powder and milk chocolate chips, delivering a creamy, café-style drink in just minutes. It comes together easily in one saucepan with kitchen staples and can be topped with anything from marshmallows to whipped cream. A perfect cozy treat for cold days, impromptu gatherings, or simply when you’re craving real chocolate in a mug.
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Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hot Chocolate
  • 3 cups milk whole or 2%
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mugs

Method
 

  1. Combine the milk, cocoa powder, milk chocolate chips, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan.
  2. Whisk the mixture until all the cocoa powder is dissolved and the liquid looks smooth.
  3. Set the saucepan over medium heat and whisk regularly as the mixture warms, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the hot chocolate is creamy.
  4. Take the saucepan off the heat and let it sit for about 2 minutes to cool slightly.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  6. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and, if desired, top with marshmallows and whipped cream.

Notes

Use any milk you like, but whole or 2% will make the drink creamier; oat or cashew milk also work if you prefer a dairy-free version. Taste and adjust the sugar or chocolate chips if you want it less sweet or richer. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; the drink will thicken as it cools, so reheat with a splash of milk and whisk until smooth. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or other favorites. This recipe is best served fresh, but it can be gently reheated on the stove if made ahead.

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