Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa

Cozy up with a hot mug of hot chocolate this winter. This hot chocolate recipe is incredibly rich, creamy, and oh-so satisfying.

How to Make Hot Chocolate

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Hot Chocolate Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you'll need to make the best hot chocolate of your entire life:

· Sugar and cocoa powder: This sweet and creamy hot cocoa starts with white sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder.
· Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the chocolatey flavor, but it won't make your hot cocoa taste salty.
· Water: Pour boiling water over the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
· Milk: You can use whole, 2 percent, or the alternative milk of your choice.
· Vanilla: A dash of vanilla takes the decadent flavor over the top.
· Half-and-half: Half-and-half is added after the hot chocolate is poured into the mugs, creating a rich texture and cooling the cocoa to a drinkable temperature.

How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate

Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade hot chocolate:

1. Put the dry ingredients in a pan, then whisk in the boiling water.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes.
3. Stir in the milk, remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla.
4. Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and finish with half-and-half.

Does Hot Chocolate Have Caffeine?

Hot chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine because chocolate is slightly caffeinated. However, it has much less caffeine than coffee, sodas, and many teas. Unless you are very sensitive to caffeine, hot cocoa is unlikely to keep you up at night.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate

This creamy hot chocolate is decadent enough to sip as-is. You can take it up a notch with traditional toppings like marshmallows, homemade whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a festive twist and subtle minty flavor, garnish each mug of hot cocoa with a candy cane. Adults may appreciate a shot of Irish cream, amaretto, or peppermint vodka.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"The perfect amount of richness and it would be so easy to double the recipe for more people," according to Danielle K. "I topped mine with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. My kids love marshmallows. Make it your own!"

"Most AMAZING hot cocoa I've ever had," raves Becky. "I substituted half-and-half with a shot of Irish Cream."

"Seriously LOVE this recipe," says Oddessa Shanell Martin. "Good until the very last drop. Kids love it. We add mini marshmallows before we fill our cups and I add whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon on top."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams