Satisfy those cocoa cravings when you make this easy homemade 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!
Laura writes: "It’s so good! You’ll never go back to the packets ever again."
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 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 + Festive Sprinkles
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!
What Your Frugal Friends are Saying About This Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe…
One reader writes: “I tried it! It was really good, I put Nutella in mine.”
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.”
Addie writes: “Very easy and very yummy! I added a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, too!”
How to Make Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder:
Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe
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
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!
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!
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?
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!
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!!
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!!
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!
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!
Bonnie says
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!!!!
Heidi says
I’m so glad you loved the cocoa, Bonnie! Those all sound like delicious additions, too!
cameron says
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!
Heidi says
That’s so true, Cameron… homemade hot cocoa really is so much better than the packets! 🙂
Raymund says
This is what my chocolate dreams are made off
Heidi says
It is definitely dreamy, Raymund! 🙂
Christie says
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!
Heidi says
Aww… thanks, Christie! You really can’t go overboard when it comes to chocolate syrup and marshmallows in your cocoa! 🙂
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says
This homemade hot cocoa looks so amazing! I love all the different variations ~ that coconut version sounds so, so good!!
Heidi says
Thanks so much, Tasia! The coconut style cocoa is AMAZING… you definitely need to try it at least once that way! 🙂
Nancy says
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
Heidi says
Thanks, Nancy! And you’re right… it’s so fun to change up the flavors and variations on your cups of cocoa! 🙂
2pots2cook says
So pinned and shared Heidi ! Belle journée, xo
Heidi says
Thank you so much… have a lovely day!
Katerina says
This looks delicious, Heidi, and I love all the different flavours!
Heidi says
Thanks, Katerina! There really are so many fun ways to completely transform the flavor! 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
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!
Heidi says
Oh you definitely need to change that, Katherine… it really is SO easy to make it from scratch! 🙂
Alex says
You can’t beat a good cup of hot chocolate – delicious!
Heidi says
Thanks Alex, and I agree… it’s always a dreamy treat!
Molly Pisula says
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!
Heidi says
Thanks so much, Molly! That trick really does make all the difference. 🙂
Sophie says
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
Heidi says
That sounds really yummy too, Sophie! 🙂
Josiah - DIY Thrill says
The marshmallows and drizzle of chocolate syrup in this hot chocolate looks irresistible. Thanks so much for sharing!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome… and you’re so right ~ it is beyond irresistible!
Lauren says
Nothing beats hot chocolate from scratch! And your pictures are making me drool!!
Heidi says
Aww… thanks, Lauren! And I agree – it can’t be beat! 🙂
Aimsy says
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
Heidi says
Thanks, Aimsy! Enjoy your hot cocoa!
CoCo says
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
Heidi says
Thanks so much, CoCo! There really are so many fun ways to enjoy your hot chocolate… the options are endless! 🙂
Judee says
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..
Heidi says
Thanks so much, Judee! It really is ridiculously easy to make from scratch… you will LOVE it! 🙂
delphine says
J’aime quand cela dégouline de gourmandise, je craque….
Belle journée
Heidi says
Haha… le cacao dégoulinant de sirop de chocolat est le meilleur! 🙂 Belle journée, Delphine
Natalia says
I love hot chocolate ☺
Heidi says
So do I, Natalia… it’s my favorite!!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I have been craving hot chocolate and now I think I have to give into it. And add marshmallows of course 🙂
Heidi says
Oh it sounds like it’s definitely time to give in, Tandy! 🙂 And you’re right… the marshmallows are an absolute must!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
This does look easy! And festive. Perfect for the season. Thanks!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, John… ENJOY your cocoa!
Christie says
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!
Heidi says
Thanks, Christie! And yes… it’s an absolute must have and an instant pick-me-up on any cold day. 🙂
Tiziana says
Love a good chocolate! 🙂
have a great start in the new week,
Tiziana
http://www.tizianaolbrich.de
Heidi says
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!
angiesrecipes says
Warming and yummy! I love it, esp. when the weather is freezing cold.
Heidi says
Oh I agree, Angie… it’s definitely a must-have on those chilly days!