How to Make the Best Hot Chocolate
Updated: Dec. 23, 2021
It's time to skip the mix! Learn how to make the best hot chocolate you've ever tasted. This decadent recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
What would winter be without a steaming cup of hot cocoa to keep you warm at night? Not any sort of winter I’d want to endure, that’s for sure. That’s why I like to mix up a cup for myself on the coldest nights of the year. If I’m feeling a little sluggish, sure, I’ll use a packet of good hot chocolate mix (here are Taste of Home staffers’ favorite brands). But when I’m craving the real deal, I rely on the best hot chocolate recipe I know—one that uses milk (never water!), dark chocolate and a whole heap of whipped cream. The result is supremely rich and satisfying—the perfect complement to a cozy night in. The best part though: It’s super easy to make and only takes minutes. Let me walk you through it.
The Best Hot Chocolate Recipe
This recipe is a real cinch—just the thing for when you just got in from shoveling the sidewalk and are craving a homemade treat. In less than 15 minutes, your boots will be off and you’ll be holding a cup in your hands.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Whipped cream or the garnish of your choosing
Makes two servings.
How Do You Make Your Own Hot Chocolate?
To make, start by chopping four ounces of chocolate. I used a very dark chocolate, but you can use milk if you prefer—just be sure to use a chocolate that you’d be happy to eat on its own. Once it’s chopped, add it to a small saucepan with the whipping cream, milk and sugar. Warm this over medium heat until it comes to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once you’ve got it to a nice simmer (not a boil—here’s the difference), remove from the heat and stir until smooth.
From there, just pour into your favorite mug and garnish with your favorite toppings. I like the classics—mini marshmallows or whipped cream—but there are a lot of other fun garnishes and mix-ins to consider. Check out our list!
The Result
This recipe makes an exceptionally decadent hot chocolate. That’s thanks to the dark chocolate the recipe calls for, not to mention the milk and cream! This hot cocoa definitely proves that the best hot chocolate is always made with milk. It’s what gives it such a silky texture. I’m certain that once you make hot chocolate like this, you won’t be going back to a powdered mix anytime soon.
Looking to fancy up your hot chocolate? Just add some of these delicious dehydrated marshmallow bits. Don’t forget to check out this handy hack that pairs hot chocolate with Cool Whip to create a cup straight out of your winter dreams, or add these festive hot chocolate bombs from Target to your mug. Also check out the best hot chocolate mixes according to cocoa and cozy experts.
Up Next, learn how to make hot chocolate brownies just like Christina Tosi, queen of sweet treats and nostalgic flavors.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
This homemade hot chocolate recipe will make people think you fussed, but it is so simple. —Cheryl Reitz, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Rich Hot Chocolate
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead. 
Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate Pods
Who doesn't love a steamy mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day? Now you can give friends, neighbors, co-workers or anyone who deserves a treat the pleasure of this indulgent drink with these giftable hot chocolate pods. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
Nutella Hot Chocolate
Vanilla beans and a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico lend a sophisticated flavor to this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert. —Michael Compean, Fountain Hills, Arizona Pumpkin-Spiced Hot Chocolate
As soon as there is a hint of fall in the air, I think of pumpkins and my mother. She served pumpkin pie with real hot chocolate. This recipe brings those two amazing scents, and her, back to life for me. To turn your hot chocolate into creamy pumpkin mocha, stir 2 teaspoons of instant coffee into the hot chocolate before adding whipped cream. It's a great way to warm up after some chilly trick-or-treating! —J. Morand, Maitland, ON 
Crackling Hot Cocoa
This hot chocolate recipe is more than a warm-you-up—it's rich and thick decadence in a mug. —Cyndi Nistico, Palm Island, Florida Spiked Hot Chocolate
My husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania 
Cozy Hot Chocolate
Steaming mugs of these smooth beverages are a nice anytime treat with my husband, Ken.—Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California 
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Change up ordinary hot cocoa by stirring some dark baking cocoa into vanilla almond milk. Top it off with a plain large marshmallow or berry marshmallow creme, if you like, and add your favorite pretty sprinkles. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania Fluffy Hot Chocolate
This is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas 
Holiday Peppermint Mocha
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California 
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix
We make batches of this minty, malted milk-flavored hot chocolate to give as gifts. Be prepared—friends will return the jars for refills! —Sara Tatham, Plymouth, New Hampshire Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California Kahlua Hot Chocolate
When we want a cup of hot chocolate, we prefer homemade over store mixes. A splash of Kahlúa adds a touch of fabulous. —Chung-Ah Rhee, Hollywood, California 
Favorite Hot Chocolate
You need just a few basic ingredients to stir up this spirit-warming sipper. The comforting beverage is smooth and not too sweet, making it just right for cozy chilly nights. —Flo Snodderly, North Vernon, Indiana 
Gingerbread Hot Cocoa
Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, this special cocoa will do the trick. It’s like drinking a chocolate gingerbread cookie! —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ Landmark Hot Chocolate
With or without a nip of rum, my hot chocolate recipe has been a Wisconsin winter warmer for years. When the toboggan hills are calling, I skip the whipped cream and take a thermos to go. It’s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! —Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa
Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee 
Mexican Hot Chocolate
This delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas 
Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
I gave this away at our neighborhood Christmas party in cutie-patootie gift bags and was thrilled that I was able to give something to everyone. But the next week I started getting calls from the neighbors who'd made it and was blown away at the response. Everyone loves this! The white chocolate is what makes it extra creamy and chocolaty!—Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Next, try out this tasty 3-ingredient whipped hot chocolate.
