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Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe! {Just 3 Ingredients = Best Cocoa Ever}

October 25, 2020 By Heidi 48 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Satisfy those cocoa cravings when you make this easy homemade Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe!

Best Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe

Are you craving an easy, creamy, dreamy cup of cocoa?  This luscious, indulgent homemade Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe is what Winter dreams are made of!  It will warm you to the toes and bring a smile to your face with every sip!

With just 3 ingredients, this rich hot chocolate recipe with cocoa powder couldn’t be easier!  Trust me… it’s the best cup of cocoa you’ll ever make!

Plus, it’s so versatile!  If you just need stovetop hot chocolate for one, simply cut the recipe in half.  If you want to make cocoa for the whole family, you can double or triple the recipe.

Just don’t forget the marshmallows or whip cream to top off your steamy cup of cocoa.  And you might as well go turn on the fire and grab some cozy socks while you’re at it.  It’s time to savor each sip of your favorite nostalgic drink!

So are you ready to meet your new favorite hot chocolate tonight?  Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy recipe at home…

Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe

Related:

  •  8 Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipes!

What Do You Need to Make Hot Chocolate?

You’ll just need a few easy ingredients you may already have on hand!

  • Cocoa Powder
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Milk

How Do You Make Hot Chocolate From Scratch?

It’s actually SO easy!  You’ll simply heat up your cocoa powder, sugar and water in a pot on the stove, add in your milk, heat it up, and you’re done!

 It’s so simple and no microwave is needed.  Trust me… once you try this creamy hot chocolate, you’ll never go back to the store bought packets again!

How Do You Add Flavor to Hot Chocolate?

Now nothing beats a classic cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows, but if you’re looking for some fun ways to change it up and alter the flavor of your hot chocolate, consider giving these add-ins and toppings a try:

  • Caramel Hot Chocolate: Add 3 – 4 tbsp. Caramel Sauce / Sundae Syrup to saucepan
  • Coconut Hot Chocolate: Add 3/4 tsp. Coconut Extract to saucepan and top with Whip Cream and Shredded Coconut Flakes
  • Eggnog Hot Chocolate: Stir in a splash of Eggnog just before serving 
  • Maple Hot Chocolate: Add 1/2 tsp. Pure Maple Syrup to saucepan when adding the milk
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1 tsp. Cinnamon + a tiny pinch of Cayenne Pepper to saucepan
  • Mocha Hot Chocolate: Stir in a little hot brewed coffee just before serving
  • Nutella Hot Chocolate: Add 3 tbsp. Nutella to saucepan
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1 1/2 tsp. Peppermint Syrup to saucepan + serve with a Candy Cane for a stir stick
  • Vanilla Hot Chocolate: Add a splash of Vanilla Syrup to saucepan
  • Alternative Topping: Whip Cream + Frestive Sprinkles

Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe Easy

Stovetop Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder

Easy Stovetop Hot Chocolate

Stovetop Hot Cocoa Recipe

Best Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe

What Your Frugal Friends are Saying About This Recipe…

Dyna writes: “Soooo much better than the instant.”

Alex writes: “So comforting and delicious!”

Laura writes: “It’s so good! You’ll never go back to the packets ever again.”

 

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder:

 

 

Best Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe
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Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe

Craving an easy, creamy, dreamy cup of cocoa?  This homemade Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe is what Winter dreams are made of!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocoa, easy, hot cocoa, stove top
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Whole Milk {Nonfat, 1% or 2% can be substituted}
  • 3 tbsp. Cocoa Powder
  • 3 tbsp. Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Hot Water
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • Optional: Marshmallows or Whip Cream and Sprinkles for topping.

Instructions

  • Add Cocoa, Sugar, Hot Water, and optional Vanilla to medium saucepan, and stir constantly over Medium-High heat until well combined and mixture becomes smooth.
  • After mixture has become thick and creamy, pour in Milk, decrease heat to Medium, and continue to stir regularly as hot cocoa heats up.  A steaming mixture and small frothy bubbles around the edges is what you're looking for. Be careful to NOT let the milk boil.
  • Once mixture is hot, pour into mugs and top with marshmallows + a drizzle of chocolate syrup, OR whip cream and sprinkles.  ENJOY!!

Notes

Recipe can easily be halved for a single-serving, or doubled or tripled for the family or guests.

So are you craving even more Delicious Beverage Recipes that will warm you from your head to your toes?  I’ve got you covered!

Have some fun exploring these cozy, hot homemade drinks…

Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar

Give the Gift of Cocoa in a Jar! This homemade Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar Recipe makes the perfect little DIY Mason Jar Gift!

Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar Gift Idea

French Vanilla Cocoa Mix in a Jar

This French Vanilla Cocoa Mix in a Jar makes a fun and festive Gift in a Jar… and a delicious cup of vanilla cocoa!

French Vanilla Cocoa Mix in a Jar Recipe

How to Make Chocolate Covered Spoons

Here is a fun way to add even more chocolate to your favorite Hot Cocoa Recipe!

Crockpot Hot Chocolate

This Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe is also the perfect addition to your winter parties… and Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings! At our home, we call this the Best Hot Chocolate EVER!!  {it’s seriously SO delish!} 😉

Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This tasty Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate will warm you to the toes, and is perfect for your holiday parties, gatherings with friends, and snowy days!

Crockpot Nutella Hot Chocolate

If you’re a fan of Nutella… I’ve got just the thing!  Go grab the Crockpot… it’s time for some Crockpot Nutella Hot Chocolate!  {oh yeah!}

Crockpot Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

If you’ve got a weakness for sweet & salty, I’ve got just the thing: Crockpot Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate!

Crock Pot Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

With just 5 Ingredients, this Crock Pot Caramel Apple Cider Recipe is a such a cinch to make… and it’s so addicting!

Spiced Apple Cider Recipe in Slow Cooker

No chilly day can stand a chance against this delicious spiced Apple Cider Recipe made in your Slow Cooker! It’s the perfect party drink, hot and ready all party long!

Easy Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Nothing screams Fall like a cup of Pumpkin Spice Coffee!  {YUM!}  It’s the perfect way to savor that morning cup of coffee with an autumn flair!

Crockpot Hot Vanilla Recipe

Baby, it’s COLD outside!  In addition to delicious Hot Cocoa on a chilly day, this yummy Crockpot Hot Vanilla will warm you to the toes!

Crockpot White Hot Chocolate Recipe

I know this yummy white chocolate drink is going to bring a smile to your face!  Are you ready to indulge your senses with some white chocolate happiness today?

Crockpot White Hot Chocolate Recipe from TheFrugalGirls.com

Stovetop Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Sweet and savory flavors collide to create an irresistible hot chocolate beverage you can’t put down.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe

One of the tastiest ways to chill out on a hot Summer day is to indulge with this creamy, dreamy Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe!

Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe

8 Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipes! {Easy Party Drinks}

Not only are these recipes incredibly simple to make, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, and taste totally decadent and DELICIOUS!!

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipes

20+ Easy Coffee Recipes {+ Genius Coffee Tips}

Enjoy these easy Coffee Recipes you can make from the comfort of your home… then enjoy a day filled with a little extra energy!!

20+ Best Fall Drink Recipes You’ll Love!

Want even more fun Fall themed party beverages?  Check out these fun ideas!

55 Fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids & Adults

Whether you’re looking for festive new Christmas traditions for families, December date nights for couples, holiday party ideas for adults, exciting activities for friends, or magical ideas for kids… I’ve got you covered!

Christmas Activities for Families

Grocery Money Saving Tips:

How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half {25+ Brilliant Tips}

You won’t believe how much you’ll save with these little known tips and tricks!  It’s time to start saving more money every time you head to the grocery store!

So don’t miss out!  Get even more fun Frugal Girls Recipes, Tips + more right here…

So have you tried this Stove Hot Chocolate Recipe yet?  

Leave a comment & share!

Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast Recipes, Christmas, Fall, Food, Recipes Tagged With: Hot Chocolate

Comments

  1. Bonnie says

    December 1, 2022 at 6:30 pm

    Absolutely LOVED it. I could never make a good cup of hot cocoa. I added a pinch of ground cloves and some cinnamon with the cocoa. Then I made it keto by adding stevia at the end rather than sugar and it was the best cup of cocoa ever!!!!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 2, 2022 at 11:55 am

      I’m so glad you loved the cocoa, Bonnie! Those all sound like delicious additions, too!

      Reply
  2. cameron says

    July 18, 2021 at 3:22 am

    n recent years I’ve just been buying the powdered hot chocolate – I need to change that! This homemade stove top version looks so rich and delicious. And homemade is always better!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      July 18, 2021 at 8:31 am

      That’s so true, Cameron… homemade hot cocoa really is so much better than the packets! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Raymund says

    November 10, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    This is what my chocolate dreams are made off

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 10, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      It is definitely dreamy, Raymund! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Christie says

    November 9, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    Yes always!! I love how simple and indulgent this hot chocolate looks! I can’t get enough of those marshmallows and mmm that chocolate syrup too!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 9, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      Aww… thanks, Christie! You really can’t go overboard when it comes to chocolate syrup and marshmallows in your cocoa! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says

    November 2, 2020 at 10:53 pm

    This homemade hot cocoa looks so amazing! I love all the different variations ~ that coconut version sounds so, so good!!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 3, 2020 at 10:13 am

      Thanks so much, Tasia! The coconut style cocoa is AMAZING… you definitely need to try it at least once that way! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Nancy says

    October 31, 2020 at 11:29 am

    Yum!!! The hot chocolate looks delicious. You can never go wrong with the different variations out there. I haven’t had hot chocolate in years but love the toppings!!

    Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 2, 2020 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks, Nancy! And you’re right… it’s so fun to change up the flavors and variations on your cups of cocoa! 🙂

      Reply
  7. 2pots2cook says

    October 30, 2020 at 9:45 am

    So pinned and shared Heidi ! Belle journée, xo

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 2, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Thank you so much… have a lovely day!

      Reply
  8. Katerina says

    October 30, 2020 at 3:04 am

    This looks delicious, Heidi, and I love all the different flavours!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 2, 2020 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks, Katerina! There really are so many fun ways to completely transform the flavor! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    October 28, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    In recent years I’ve just been buying the powdered hot chocolate – I need to change that! This homemade stove top version looks so rich and delicious. And homemade is always better!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 2, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      Oh you definitely need to change that, Katherine… it really is SO easy to make it from scratch! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Alex says

    October 28, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    You can’t beat a good cup of hot chocolate – delicious!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 2, 2020 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks Alex, and I agree… it’s always a dreamy treat!

      Reply
  11. Molly Pisula says

    October 28, 2020 at 10:43 am

    Love your technique on this—I wouldn’t have thought to stir the cocoa and sugar with hot water first but that makes so much sense! This hot cocoa is perfect for this fall and winter!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 2, 2020 at 3:48 pm

      Thanks so much, Molly! That trick really does make all the difference. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Sophie says

    October 28, 2020 at 6:56 am

    This looks so good! I’ve been really lazy with hot chocolate since becoming vegan, I usually heat chocolate soy or almond milk then add my toppings x

    Sophie

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 28, 2020 at 11:15 am

      That sounds really yummy too, Sophie! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Josiah - DIY Thrill says

    October 27, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    The marshmallows and drizzle of chocolate syrup in this hot chocolate looks irresistible. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 28, 2020 at 11:16 am

      You’re very welcome… and you’re so right ~ it is beyond irresistible!

      Reply
  14. Lauren says

    October 27, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    Nothing beats hot chocolate from scratch! And your pictures are making me drool!!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 28, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Aww… thanks, Lauren! And I agree – it can’t be beat! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Aimsy says

    October 27, 2020 at 1:08 pm

    Oh, this looks so good. I love hot chocolate but rarely make it with milk on the stovetop. Will have to give this one a try!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Aimsy xoxo
    https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      Thanks, Aimsy! Enjoy your hot cocoa!

      Reply
  16. CoCo says

    October 27, 2020 at 10:05 am

    These all look amazing, Heidi! I’m excited to try them. I love how you can customize them by flavor and give them away as gifts too. That is so cool! Thanks so much for this easy recipe, CoCo

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks so much, CoCo! There really are so many fun ways to enjoy your hot chocolate… the options are endless! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Judee says

    October 27, 2020 at 8:56 am

    I am amazed that hot chocolate is that easy to make. I always buy the little packets but limit how we drink them because they are full of chemicals. I’ll be trying this soon. Love your presentation too..

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks so much, Judee! It really is ridiculously easy to make from scratch… you will LOVE it! 🙂

      Reply
  18. delphine says

    October 27, 2020 at 1:46 am

    J’aime quand cela dégouline de gourmandise, je craque….
    Belle journée

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:21 pm

      Haha… le cacao dégoulinant de sirop de chocolat est le meilleur! 🙂 Belle journée, Delphine

      Reply
  19. Natalia says

    October 27, 2020 at 12:58 am

    I love hot chocolate ☺

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      So do I, Natalia… it’s my favorite!!

      Reply
  20. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

    October 27, 2020 at 12:35 am

    I have been craving hot chocolate and now I think I have to give into it. And add marshmallows of course 🙂

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      Oh it sounds like it’s definitely time to give in, Tandy! 🙂 And you’re right… the marshmallows are an absolute must!

      Reply
  21. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    October 26, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    This does look easy! And festive. Perfect for the season. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:15 pm

      You’re very welcome, John… ENJOY your cocoa!

      Reply
  22. Christie says

    October 26, 2020 at 2:18 pm

    That sounds so good especially on a cold day like today! You really can’t go wrong with some homemade hot cocao that looks as DELICIOUS AS THIS!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 27, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks, Christie! And yes… it’s an absolute must have and an instant pick-me-up on any cold day. 🙂

      Reply
  23. Tiziana says

    October 26, 2020 at 10:22 am

    Love a good chocolate! 🙂

    have a great start in the new week,
    Tiziana

    http://www.tizianaolbrich.de

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 26, 2020 at 10:26 am

      So do I, Tiziana… it’s definitely the tastiest way to warm up on cold day! 🙂 I hope you have a lovely week as well!

      Reply
  24. angiesrecipes says

    October 25, 2020 at 6:15 am

    Warming and yummy! I love it, esp. when the weather is freezing cold.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 25, 2020 at 10:58 am

      Oh I agree, Angie… it’s definitely a must-have on those chilly days!

      Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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