A steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day is my absolute favourite. Whether I’m having a cosy day at home or have been out for a walk and need to warm up, homemade hot chocolate is quick and easy to make and is the perfect cold weather treat.

Just 4 ingredients are needed for this homemade hot chocolate recipe: milk, cocoa powder, light brown sugar and dark chocolate.

I use lactose-free milk, but any kind of milk is suitable, including dairy-free options. So whatever your preference is, that’s ok – just use the milk you’d usually drink.

My preference is for less sweetness and more bitterness which is why I use the wonderful Callebaut No. 811 Pure chocolate chips. If you have a sweeter tooth, then milk chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate. Chocolate chips melt better into the milk but a broken bar of chocolate will also work – just make sure to whisk well so that it does all melt and isn’t just stuck at the bottom of the pan!

I don’t tend to have whipped cream at home (I have to avoid high quantities of lactose for health reasons) but I always have mini marshmallows and homemade hot chocolate is the same without them.

How you serve your hot chocolate is about personal preference though – sometimes a light sprinkle of cinnamon (or speculaas spices) is enough or sometimes it needs to be heaped with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings and more!

And for the adults, a splash of alcohol is something to consider – I love a bit of amaretto or Baileys in mine.

Here’s to getting through the cold months with a steaming mug of homemade of hot chocolate!

Print Recipe

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Course

Drinks

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

serving

Ingredients

• 250 ml Milk
• 1 tbsp Cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp Light brown sugar add more or less depending on whether you prefer sweeter or more bitter hot chocolate
• 25 g Plain dark chocolate

Course Drinks Cook Time 10 minutes Servings serving Ingredients 250 ml Milk 1 tbsp Cocoa powder 1 tbsp Light brown sugar add more or less depending on whether you prefer sweeter or more bitter hot chocolate 25 g Plain dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Heat the milk, cocoa powder, sugar and dark chocolate in a pan over a low to medium heat.
2. Whisk gently and regularly to help dissolve the cocoa powder, melt the chocolate and evenly mix all the ingredients.
3. When the hot chocolate is steaming (don't let it boil), it is ready to serve.
4. Pour into a mug and serve as it is or top with mini marshmallows and whipped cream.

Recipe Notes

• For adults, add a splash of alcohol - amaretto or Baileys are my favourites to add to my homemade hot chocolate.
• I use lactose-free milk, but any kind of milk will be suitable, including dairy-free options.
• Any dark chocolate will work but I use Callebaut No. 811 pure chocolate chips which I think add such an incredible richness and chocolatey flavour.