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–+ servings
Hot chocolate in jar mug with marshmallows and chocolate syrup drizzled on top.
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5 from 5 votes

Stovetop Hot Chocolate

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!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Author: Heidi Miller

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.
    Containers of cocoa, sugar, and milk.
  • Add Cocoa, Sugar, Hot Water, and optional Vanilla to medium saucepan
    Wooden spoon in a pan of with cocoa powder.
  • Stir constantly over Medium-High heat until well combined and mixture becomes smooth.
    Wooden spoon in a pan with a chocolate syrup.
  • 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.
    Frozen Hot Chocolate on the stovetop.
  • 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!!
    Jar of hot chocolate with chocolate syrup dripping down the side.

Notes

Doubling or Halving: This recipe can easily be halved for a single-serving, or doubled or tripled for the family or guests.
  • 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.
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!
Flavored Hot Cocoa:
  • 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.
FAQ's: For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
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