Thick, sweet and so chocolatey, this hot chocolate recipe not only tastes delicious, but you know what’s in it. Plus, grab a little jar and make a mix and you’ve got some really cute gifts for teachers, neighbors or friends.
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Tell me about this hot chocolate recipe.
- Thick – No watery hot chocolate for me, no sir. Plenty of chocolate chips make this homemade cocoa sweet and thick, the way hot chocolate should be.
- Easily Customizable – This recipe can be used with dark, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. Skim, whole or milk substitute. Make it your own favorite hot drink.
- Pairs Well – This hot chocolate pairs really well with peppermint Oreos, fluffy socks, a fire in the fireplace and a sleepy dog. It’s my all-time favorite hot drink when I’ve filled my hollow leg with coffee.
- Give it Away – As you can see in the photos, this hot chocolate makes for a really cute gift. I’m putting a bow around a few of these jars and giving them to my son’s teachers and my neighbors. See below for more ideas on making this gift special and simple!
Looking for more hot drink ideas?
- Dairy Free Raspberry Hot Chocolate – Love this recipe when it comes time to mix it up.
- Hygge Hot Chocolate – Another classic hot chocolate, but this time without the dairy.
- Pumpkin Spice Steamer – Love a Pumpkin Spice Latte? This is a homemade version minus the coffee. A great afternoon holiday drink without the caffeine.
- Baileys Mocha – This is the ultimate evening comfort hot drink. Chocolatey, boozy and will give you all the holiday feels.
Make this for a crowd
If you’re looking to make a large amount of homemade hot cocoa, either for a gathering or yourself you can multiply this recipe and combine all ingredients in a crockpot on high heat. Once the chocolate chips have melted, bring the temperature down to low and then you can ladle the night away.
Ideas to set up a hot cocoa bar
If you’re able to gather (this is written circa 2020 and the land of the lonely Friday nights) set up a simple hot cocoa bar and host a game night, movie night, or just invite a few neighbors to come by for hot cocoa and some Christmas music! No matter which way you do it, this recipe makes for a wonderful hot chocolate bar. Here are some great toppings and add-ins so everyone can make their drink special.
- Whip Cream
- Marshmallows
- Candy Canes
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Cinnamon Powder and Cinnamon Sticks
- Baileys for the Adults
- Flavored Syrups – Like Raspberry, Peppermint or Caramel
- Crushed Candy Canes to Sprinkle on top of Whip Cream
- Andes Mints
- Sprinkles
- Pirouette Cookies (or any straw-like cookie)
- Toffee Bits (or any favorite crushed candy)
A Simple way to make a really cute gift this season
If you’re wanting to use this recipe to make some really cute gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, your mail person, deliver person or anyone you appreciate, there are some simple ways to get it done quick! Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make these little gifts
- Mason or Ball jars – 8 ounce jars would give you 4 servings of hot cocoa, see the recipe and instructions below for amounts per jar. (We used cute little jars we found at World Market for individual servings.)
- Vanilla Powder – this is totally optional, but would give the powdered version of this hot cocoa a more authentic and delicious flavor.
- Chocolate Chips – Mix it up and make it extra special by using some milk, semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips.
- Ribbon & Cards – We found some cute little cards in the Dollar Spot at Target, and the string we found in the bottom of Rachel’s sewing box. (When you live deep in the woods, you use what you have, right?) This is a great way to use up the last bits of cards (we cut ours up from a larger card) and ribbons from Christmas. So simple!
Love this hot chocolate recipe? Try these other delicious hot drink recipes!
Pumpkin Spice Steamer |
Starbucks Copycat
Baileys Irish Cream Mocha
The BEST Classic Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Individual
- 1 1/2 C milk 2% or whole
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 C chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- dash salt
If Making for a Crowd (10 servings)
- 1 gallon milk
- 1 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 C granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 C chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
- 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp salt more to taste
If Making for Gifts (16 oz jar)
- 1/2 C unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 C granulated sugar
- 1 C chocolate chips mini or regular size
- 2 tsp powdered vanilla see above recipe for link and info
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Individual
- Warm milk In a sauce pan on low heat.
- Add cocoa powder and sugar. Whisk until dissolved.
- When warmed, add chocolate chips and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla.
- Top with whip cream or marshmallows and chocolate chips.
If Making for a Crowd
- Turn crockpot on high.
- Add all ingredients. Stir frequently until chocolate chips have melted.
- Once melted, turn heat to low and keep on low, stirring occasionally.
- Serve right from the crockpot with a ladle and enjoy!
If Making for a Gift
- Ingredients can be layered (like in the photos) or you can shake it up so it's ready to use right away. Once shaken, fill any empty space at the top with marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or any other special topping you enjoy!
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