When the cold winter days come, a homemade hot cocoa recipe is a cozy solution. I developed this simple recipe to avoid all the extra ingredients in store-bought options.
Over the years, I have drank my fair share of boxed hot cocoa mixes. I even found a favorite {I shared it HERE!} but the nagging feeling that I could make it at home kept coming back to me. It was a combination of the money, the ingredients, and just knowing it could be just as good {if not better} if my hands made this sweet treat that pushed me to do a little experimenting.
I knew which ingredients I preferred to us, so it was just a matter of tweaking a homemade hot cocoa recipe to my rich chocolate loving taste.
{Post contains affiliate links. You can read our disclosure here.}
TIPS FOR MAKING HOMEMADE HOT COCOA
- Milk. This is the key. It makes the creamiest and most rich hot cocoa ever. Use the highest fat milk possible. We drink raw milk and so, it is perfect for hot cocoa. But whole milk should be just as good.
- Use a whisk to keep the cocoa powder from clumping. No other utensil is needed, which is a relief to all of us who seem to constantly have a sink full of dirty dishes.
- Cook this on the stovetop. Simmering and stirring the hot cocoa will bring the various flavors together perfectly.
- Feel free to add marshmallows or whipped cream to your mug. We have just found this to be sweet enough with just the hot cocoa.
- This recipe makes 5 servings. If you are looking for a single serving, just use 1/4 of each ingredient.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
COMBINE, MIX, SIMMER, AND DRINK
I hope this homemade hot cocoa recipe finds it’s way into your hands this winter. It’s a simple way to enjoy a treat without all the extra ingredients found in store-bought brands. Plus, it is a huge money-saver as well!
You may also enjoy these recipes and posts:
- Egg and Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Easy Butternut Squash Purée
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie
- Homemade Sugar Free Applesauce
- Staying Organized with a Weekly To Do List
Homemade Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 6 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Pour milk into saucepan and turn burner to medium low.
- Add the cocoa, salt, and maple syrup and whisk until fully combined.
- Bring to a simmer, adjusting the heat as needed and whisking periodically. Continue heating until desired temperature is reached.
- Pour into mugs and cool to taste.
SHOP THIS POST
PIN IT FOR LATER
Oh my goodness, I need to try this! We use genuine maple syrup for waffles (for my kids, I’m not a waffle fan), and I just recently learned that there are health benefits to maple syrup. I have added it to my ACV/water drink, but I never thought to use it for hot cocoa! Thanks for sharing!
Yay! Enjoy! And let me know what you think. ♥