Are you ready for a cozy hug in a mug? This luscious, homemade Stovetop Hot Chocolate is what winter dreams are made of! It will warm you to the toes and bring a smile to your face with every sweet sip! Just 3 ingredients and your hot cocoa is done!
Stovetop Hot Chocolate
With this easy homemade stovetop hot chocolate recipe… get ready to satisfy every last cocoa craving! You’ll get a creamy, dreamy cup of cocoa almost effortlessly!
Laura writes: "It’s so good! You’ll never go back to the packets ever again."
Believe me… this is the best cup of cocoa you’ll ever make!
It’s decadently rich and beyond delicious.
Plus, with just 3 ingredients, this hot chocolate recipe couldn’t be easier!
Just like this 3 ingredient White Chocolate Hot Cocoa, this 3 ingredient Frozen Hot Chocolate, and this invigorating 4 ingredient Peppermint Mocha, too!
Did I mention how versatile this hot cocoa recipe is?
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. Or just make this indulgent big-batch Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe instead.
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 the perfect addition to a movie night or cozy novel!
Then, there’s just one last thing to decide.
Big dollop or little dollop of whipped cream… choices, choices!
So today we’ll skip the hot cocoa at Starbucks, and make our own instead!
It’s time to meet your new favorite hot cocoa…
Stovetop Hot Chocolate Ingredients
So what do you need to make hot chocolate?
If you thought bland tasting store bought versions were the only easy way to make hot chocolate… think again!
Trust me, making this simple hot chocolate recipe with cocoa powder is so easy… you’ll never want to go back to store bought hot chocolate again!
Here’s what you’ll need to add your grocery list so you can score some Sam’s Club deals this week…
- 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!
That’s it.
You’ll need just 3 simple ingredients to make the BEST stovetop hot chocolate with cocoa powder!
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Pin ItHow to Make Stovetop Hot Chocolate
You won’t believe how easy it is to make homemade hot chocolate from scratch.
It’s 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!
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.
Plus, this homemade hot chocolate can be fashioned into lovely homemade gifts in a jar when you make either this Hot Chocolate Mix or this Hot Chocolate DIY Mix.
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
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 use this oat milk recipe!
- For a flavored cocoa… see delicious ideas below!
The options for making The Frugal Girls hot chocolate really are endless… and they are all oh so delicious!
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: Swap 1 cup of milk for 1 cup of Eggnog, and add 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract.
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. (use this vanilla syrup recipe)
Alternative Topping: Whip Cream + Festive Sprinkles.
For more hot chocolate variations that are perfect for parties or large gatherings, be sure to check out these Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipes!
Hot Chocolate Toppings
So what toppings are good for hot chocolate?
Here are a few of my favorite homemade hot chocolate toppings…
- Mini Marshmallows
- Whip Cream with Sprinkles
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle – (use this chocolate syrup recipe)
- Coconut Flakes
- Crushed Candy Canes
- Crushed Oreos
- Heath Toffee Bits
- Shaved Chocolate Curls (how to make chocolate curls)
Stovetop 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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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Stovetop Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole Milk , (Nonfat, 1% or 2% can be substituted, but whole milk will make the creamiest cocoa)
- 3 tbsp. Cocoa Powder, (use high quality cocoa, like Hershey's, Ghirardelli or 365 Organic)
- 3 tbsp. Granulated Sugar (White Sugar), (organic cane sugar can be substituted)
- 1/3 cup Hot Water
- Optional: 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- Optional: Marshmallows or Whip Cream and Sprinkles for topping.
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Add Cocoa, Sugar, Hot Water, and optional Vanilla to medium saucepan
- 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
- 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.
- 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 use this oat milk recipe!
- For a flavored cocoa… see delicious ideas below!
- 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: Swap 1 cup of milk for 1 cup of Eggnog, and add 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract.
- 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. (use this vanilla syrup recipe)
- Alternative Toppings: Whip Cream + Festive Sprinkles.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
3 ingredients!? And they’re ingredients that we always have around in the kitchen anyways? Yes please! After this weekend’s icy storm, a good mug of hot chocolate is definitely in order. The proportions here are perfect, Heidi!
I can’t think of a better way to handle an ice storm! 🙂
Finally, an easy stovetop hot cocoa recipe! I almost always have these 3 ingredients on hand, and this tastes so much better than store bought. I like how many variations you share and I can’t wait to try the vanilla one next. I’m never buying the packets again!
I know you’ll love making this as a vanilla hot chocolate. It’s so dreamy good!
What a great post. I love hot chocolate and I love all the options you have suggested.The peppermint and the mocha sound really delicious. Even in Florida a cozy cup of hot chocolate is welcome.
I agree, even in a warmer winter climate, hot cocoa just feels right this time of year!
I am totally obsessed with hot chocolate especially in freezing weather like we have right now! I totally recommend adding the vanilla as it gives not only a lot of delicious aroma but enhances the flavor of this yummy cocoa drink!!!
I am so glad you liked it Abigail. I love the vanilla version as well. It’s so cozy delicious!
Really good
I’m so glad you liked it Marcia. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas!
This sounds like the perfect cozy treat! Love how simple and delicious it is with just three ingredients. Definitely making this for my next chocolate craving!
I know you’ll love it. It really is the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
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!!!!
I’m so glad you loved the cocoa, Bonnie! Those all sound like delicious additions, too!
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!
That’s so true, Cameron… homemade hot cocoa really is so much better than the packets! 🙂
This is what my chocolate dreams are made off
It is definitely dreamy, Raymund! 🙂
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!
Aww… thanks, Christie! You really can’t go overboard when it comes to chocolate syrup and marshmallows in your cocoa! 🙂