Ditch the Packets: Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe for Pure Bliss
There’s nothing quite like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day. It’s pure comfort in a cup, a sweet and decadent treat that warms you from the inside out. But let’s be honest, those store-bought packets often leave us wanting more. They can be thin, artificial-tasting, and loaded with unwanted sugars.
Today, we’re ditching the packets and embracing the rich, flavorful world of homemade hot chocolate! This homemade hot chocolate mix recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. But the end result is a luxurious cup of hot chocolate that blows away anything you’ll find pre-made.
A Brief History of Hot Chocolate (It’s Older Than You Think!)
Did you know that hot chocolate has a fascinating history dating back centuries? While the steaming beverage we know and love today is quite different, its origins can be traced back to the Mayan period (around 2,000 years ago!). Back then, hot chocolate wasn’t quite the sweet treat we enjoy. It was a frothy, bitter drink made with corn meal, chiles, and water, and it held ceremonial significance in Mayan culture.
Fast forward through history, and hot chocolate evolved into a more familiar form. Europeans encountered the drink during their exploration of the Americas, and over time, it transformed into a sweetened and richer beverage enjoyed by royalty and the elite. Today, hot chocolate is a beloved beverage enjoyed worldwide, and with this recipe, you can create your own piece of hot chocolate history in your own kitchen!
🎬 Watch How to Make This Recipe
Want to see this recipe come to life? Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process, step-by-step!
Homemade Hot Chocolate: Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few high-quality ingredients to create a truly decadent cup of hot chocolate.
- Milk: This forms the base of our hot chocolate. Whole milk or 2% milk will provide a richer flavor, but you can also use skim milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk.
- Heavy Cream: A touch of heavy cream adds a luxurious silkiness to the hot chocolate. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can omit the cream, but it does make a difference in texture.
- Sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference. This recipe starts with a moderate amount, allowing the natural sweetness of the chocolate to shine through.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Here’s where the magic happens! High-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips are key to achieving a rich, complex flavor. Avoid using baking chocolate, as it’s too intense for this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract adds depth and complexity, rounding out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Spice it Up (Optional): For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the hot chocolate while it’s simmering.
😋 More Delicious Recipes
- Grilled Cheese Toastie
- Tri Tip Sandwich
- Southwest Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Grilled Turkey Sandwich
- Roasted Tomato Grilled Cheese
🍽️ Feedback
If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment and rating with a ❤️ or ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. You can also find me on Instagram, X, Facebook or Tik Tok. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for video demonstrations of more than 300 recipes! I’ll guide you through each step, sharing tips and tricks, and insider secrets gleaned from the chefs around the world. Let’s embark on more delicious adventures together!
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup good quality semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Heat milk, cream and sugar and whisk in a sauce pot over high heat until it almost reaches a boil. Next, add 1 cup good quality semi sweet chocolate chips.
- Whisk until melted. Next, add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream and freshly grated chocolate.