A rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate made with real chocolate. This luxurious combination of good quality chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk will transport you straight to chocolate heaven.

If you were wondering how I like to cheer myself up on a cold and gloomy day, it is curled up with a homemade hot chocolate in one hand and a good book in the other.
Why I love this recipe
Easy to make I always love an easy recipe. This hot chocolate recipe is so easy to make, you’ll only need 3 ingredients and only 5 minutes!
Better than instant hot chocolates I have never really like instant hot chocolates, as they are always way too sweet and are never rich in flavour. Before I knew how to make this easy hot chocolate at home, I would go to my local chocolate shop and order a hot chocolate to satisfy my hot chocolate craving. I love that I can now enjoy this little luxury at home anytime I want, while saving some moolah.
Made with real ingredients This homemade hot chocolate is so rich and velvety, this is because it is made with real good quality ingredients. None of that store bought stuff!

Customisable As we are adding individual ingredients to make our hot chocolate, this means that you can make your hot chocolate however you like! From the type of milk you use to suit your dietary needs, to the type of chocolate to achieve the desired level of sweetness, and even to the toppings for the perfect season. The options are endless!
What you’ll need
½ cup finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup whole milk

Optional: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, cocoa powder (for dusting)
Tip: replace 1/2 cup of whole milk with heavy cream for an extra rich and creamy hot chocolate.
How do you make this homemade hot chocolate?
In a saucepan over medium heat, add in the milk and cocoa powder and warm until steaming. Do not let this mixture come to a boil.

Add in the chocolate. With a heat-resistant spatula or a wooden spoon, stir constantly to avoid burning the chocolate.

Cool to desired serving temperature. Serve in a mug topped with your favourite toppings.

Do you make hot chocolate with milk or water?
Unlike the powdered store bought hot chocolates, we will not be dissolving anything in hot water before adding milk. Instead, warm the milk of your choice in a saucepan with the cocoa powder, add in the chocolate chips and stir until melted. Water will dilute your hot chocolate, taking away its creaminess and richness.
Can I make Chai hot chocolate?
To make Chai hot chocolate, you’ll need to add ½ teaspoon of our Chai Spice Mix. Add this when you are heating up the milk.

Can I make this homemade hot chocolate in advance?
You can make this hot chocolate recipe ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, in an air tight container, for up to 2 days. Before serving, reheat your hot chocolate in a saucepan over low heat until warm, stirring frequently.
My favourite hot chocolate toppings
The best part about making a homemade hot chocolate is the endless options of toppings and flavours! This is great to make any holiday or party extra special.

Here are some of my favourite toppings to put in my homemade hot chocolates:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint candy canes
- Salted caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Nutella
- Chocolate shavings
- Gold leaf (this doesn’t add to the taste, but it makes it look extra fancy!)
You may also like…
Did you make this recipe and love it? Please give it a 5-star rating or leave a review in the comments below!
Want to save this recipe? Pin it now so you’ll be able to easily find it later!

Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add in the milk and cocoa powder, and warm it until steaming. Do not let this mixture come to a boil.
- Add in the chocolate. With a heat-resistant spatula or a wooden spoon, stir constantly to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Cool to desired serving temperature. Serve in a mug topped with your favourite toppings.