Description
This rich and creamy stovetop hot chocolate recipe delivers a perfectly smooth, indulgent treat made with cocoa powder, brown sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ready in just 7 minutes, it’s an easy and cozy drink to warm up any day.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Generous pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure the cocoa powder blends well and the sugar dissolves completely.
- Heat the Mixture: Continue heating the mixture until it is steaming and tiny bubbles form around the edges, but do not allow it to boil to prevent scorching or curdling.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Keep stirring until all the chocolate chips have fully melted, creating a smooth and rich consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately, optionally topped with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier hot chocolate; 2% milk works well for a lighter version.
- Do not boil the mixture to avoid burning the milk or creating a grainy texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and chocolate chips to taste for sweetness preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Adding a pinch of sea salt balances and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows add a delightful texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
