Dairy Free Hot Chocolate — 5 minute recipe

This hygge Dairy Free Hot Chocolate will warm you from your fingers to your toes. And I make it with my favorite milk substitute! Smooth, creamy and perfectly delicious. It's simple to make for yourself or for a quiet Hygge party (if there is such a thing). 

What is Hygge?

The concept of hygge might be new to you, although it's becoming quite popular these days. (Hygge is pronounced "who-ga".) In a nutshell, it's a Norwegian word that means "comfort". It's also a lifestyle where you wrap yourself in all things cozy and relaxing. I like to make time for a little hygge everyday by lighting a candle, making this cup of cocoa and curling up on my couch while I stare out the window into my beautiful Colorado backyard.

I made this cocoa today, which I was not planning on doing. You see, here in "colorful" Colorado our weather is completely unpredictable. There's a saying, "if you don't like the weather, wait an hour." It changes so rapidly and to such extremes, I find it impossible to plan my outfits from day to day. I've learned to wear lots of layers and prepare for any possibility. Because we've had snow on Mother's Day 2 out of the last 4 years. MOTHER'S DAY!!??!? I know. Crazy. Yesterday we were working out in the yard and kids were playing on the swings. Today, the high is 30° and it's been snowing off and on all day. In 2 days, the high is back up in the 70's!!

unsweetened vanilla almond milk makes amazing hot cocoa

My favorite way to make this hygge hot chocolate is with Blue Diamond's Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Coconut Milk (I'm not being paid to say that, it's really just my favorite. And I've tried a LOT of different milk alternatives. This truly makes the best cocoa.) The vanilla flavor from the milk is slight but delicious, and I love that there's no added sugar!

Ingredients for dairy free hot chocolate

• Unsweetened vanilla almond milk — or any milk alternative you prefer
• Dairy free chocolate chips — Costco, Trader Joe's or other
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Coconut sugar — or any sugar of your choice
• Cinnamon — optional, but adds a touch of spice
• pinch of salt
• Vanilla extract — or peppermint for a holiday vibe

How to make dairy free hot chocolate

Super simple steps and just 5 minutes!

• In a small saucepan combine all ingredients except vanilla.
• Using a whisk, give the mixture a good stir until the cocoa powder is dissolved. As mixture heats up it will combine easier. 
• Once mixture is heated through (about 3 minutes), pour into a mug. Top with dairy free whip cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few dairy free chocolate chips, or marshmallows, and enjoy!

Practice your hygge with a warm drink

Try some hygge time today and relax for a few minutes. Just put on some cozy socks, light a candle, make this cocoa and stare out the window. You'll be hygge-ing in no time!

I absolutely love to use this coconut sugar to sweeten just about everything, but especially in this cocoa recipe. It doesn't taste coconut-y, but the best part is that it doesn't give you that uncomfortable sugar high.