There is nothing cozier than a warm mug of chocolaty goodness. This homemade hot cocoa is rich, creamy, and easy to make -- perfect for sipping alone or with cookies.
Why You'll Love This Hot Cocoa Recipe
Learning how to make hot cocoa at home has never been easier. This recipe is our favorite because it delivers:
- Creamy, cafe-style texture with milk and half-and-half
- Perfectly sweet and chocolaty flavor that's easy to adjust
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Four servings with each cup poured straight from the pot
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup boiling water
- 3 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup half-and-half
How to Make Hot Cocoa
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full detailed recipe. The general steps are as follows:
- Whisk the sugar, cocoa and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir in the boiling water. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
- Turn heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Cook 2 minutes, constantly stirring
- Pour in the milk and heat over medium heat to 180°F.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, pour into individual mugs with half-and-half.
Helpful Tips
Follow these tips for perfect homemade hot cocoa every time:
- Dissolve cocoa into boiling water first to prevent clumps.
- Heat milk gently-don't boil to avoid scorching.
- Add half-and-half into each individual mug to cool the drink to the right temperature.
- Whisk constantly for smooth, creamy consistency.
- Top creatively with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, or a dash of shaved chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it non-dairy?
A: Yes! Use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut cream instead of dairy. (My favorite is actually oat milk.)
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: You can make the cocoa base (sugar, cocoa, water) ahead, then heat with milk when ready.
Q: How can I make it extra rich?
A: Stir in a piece of chocolate while heating milk or add more half-and-half.
Serving Ideas
Make your hot cocoa even more special:
- Toppings: Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles
- Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, peppermint, or vanilla
- Pairings: Cookies, brownies, or pastries
With this guide on how to make hot cocoa, you can enjoy a rich, creamy, and chocolaty drink anytime. Quick, easy, and customizable, it's the ultimate comfort in a mug.
More Hot Cocoa Recipes
- Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
- Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Mix
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
- Hot Chocolate on a Stick
Loved This Recipe?
Leave a rating or comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Photos by Lindsay Evers Photography
Recipe Card
Homemade Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup boiling water
- 3 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup half and half
Instructions
- Whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a medium saucepan. (I use a pourable stainless steel saucepan.) Stir in the boiling water, and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Turn on heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, constantly stirring.
- Pour in the milk and heat over medium heat until temperature reaches 180°F, stirring occasionally. Do not allow the mixture to come to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla.
- Divide half and half evenly among four 10 to 12-ounce mugs. Pour hot cocoa into each mug. (The cream helps the cocoa to cool to drinking temperature.)
Notes
- Serve topped with marshmallows, or whipped cream and sprinkles. Or, it’s equally enjoyable with no toppings. And always best with cookies.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
- Use oat, soy, or almond milk for non-dairy options.
- Optimal temperature to drink hot cocoa is 130°F.
Nutrition
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