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Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe! (3 Ingredients)

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Satisfy every last cocoa craving when you make this easy homemade Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe!  It’s rich, creamy, and ridiculously delicious. With just 3 ingredients, it’s SO quick and easy to make, too!

If you’re planning a party or serving a family, be sure to also check out this indulgent Crockpot Hot Chocolate!

Best Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe

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 so everyone can enjoy a cup.

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 a warm blanket or some cozy socks to snuggle up with 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 cocoa tonight?  

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe…

Related: BIG List of Hot Chocolate Recipes & Fall Party Drinks!

Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe Easy

Stovetop Hot Chocolate Ingredients

So what do you need to make hot chocolate? 

If you thought bland tasting store bought versions of hot chocolate were easy to make… think again!

Trust me… making homemade hot chocolate is so easy that you’ll never need to go back to store bought hot chocolate again!

You’ll just need 3 simple ingredients to make the BEST Stovetop Hot Chocolate…

  • Cocoa Powder – the higher the quality, the more AMAZING the flavor!
  • Sugar – just your standard Granulated Sugar (White Sugar)
  • Milk – the higher the fat content, the creamer your cocoa will be!

Stovetop Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder

How Do You Make Hot Chocolate From Scratch?

You won’t believe how easy it is to make hot chocolate with cocoa powder.

It’s actually SO easy!

1. You’ll simply heat up your cocoa powder, sugar and water in a pot on the stove.

2. Then add in your milk, heat it up, and you’re done!

Easy Stovetop Hot Chocolate

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!

I think this homemade hot chocolate literally tastes a million times better than the versions you can buy at the store.

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Stovetop Hot Cocoa Recipe

Homemade Hot Chocolate Variations

Want to change things up a bit on your Homemade Hot Cocoa?  Go for it!

  • For a sweeter hot cocoa… add a little more sugar!
  • For a more chocolatey hot cocoa… add a little more cocoa!
  • For a creamier cocoa… add in a little half and half!
  • For a healthier cocoa… swap out whole milk with skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk!
  • For a flavored cocoa… see delicious ideas below!

The options really are endless… and oh so delicious!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

How Do You Add Flavor to Hot Chocolate?

Now nothing beats a classic cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows.

However, 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

Recipe Homemade Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate Toppings

So what toppings are good for hot chocolate?  

Here are a few of my favorite homemade hot chocolate toppings…

How to Make Shaved Chocolate Curls

Homemade Hot Chocolate Reviews

Here’s What Your Frugal Friends are Saying About This Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe…

One reader writes: “Tried this recipe with my kids and they loved it! We’re definitely making this again.”

C writes: “Best Hot Chocolate I ever made”

Kennedy writes: “Turned out great!”

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

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

Alex writes: “So comforting and delicious!”

Ollie writes: “This is a GREAT recipe, me and my sister made this when we had no store-bought and it was so much better! Totally our new go to hot cocoa!”

Hannah writes: “It was soooo easy!”

One reader writes: “I tried it!  It was really good, I put Nutella in mine.”

Alana writes: “Came out great! I used local honey in mine.”

Addie writes: “Very easy and very yummy!  I added a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, too!”

Heather writes: “I made this with artificial sweetener instead of sugar, came out perfect.  Great recipe”

Christina writes: “I used mostly oat milk and a little bit of half and half instead of whole milk and it come out very rich and decadent.  Love it!”

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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 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
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.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

More Irresistible Drink Recipes

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 even more cozy, hot homemade drinks you can make at home…

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!

How to Make Chocolate Covered Spoons

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!) 😉

Crock Pot Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

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

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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!

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If you could pour Fall into a glass and drink it, you’d be tasting this Sparkling Apple Cider Punch Recipe!

Orange Fall Party Punch Recipe

Orange is the perfect color to add to your Fall Parties!

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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

Copycat Nesquik Recipe

Just 3 ingredients is all you’ll need to make the BEST homemade Nesquik mix! How EASY is that?!?

BIG List of 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

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

Grocery Money Saving Tips

How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 Life Changing 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 have you tried this Stove Hot Chocolate Recipe yet?  

Leave a comment & share!

Comments

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  3. 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!!!!

    Reply

  4. 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!

    Reply

  6. 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!

    Reply

    • Heidi says

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

      Reply

    • Heidi says

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

      Reply

  8. 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 ✨

    Reply

    • Heidi says

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

      Reply

  13. 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!

    Reply

  14. 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

    Reply

  18. 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

    Reply

    • Heidi says

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

      Reply

  19. 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..

    Reply

    • Heidi says

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

      Reply

  24. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

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