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Warm up with this single serving hot chocolate recipe made with real cocoa, milk, and cream. This small batch hot chocolate is rich, smooth, and perfectly sweet, a quick and easy homemade hot cocoa made just for one.
Featured Comment
“I was craving a cup of hot chocolate and just knew ODK would have a recipe! Wow! Super rich and delicious! No need for those store bought dry packet mixes!”
– Sharon
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: Made with milk and cream for a smooth, velvety texture that tastes like café-style hot chocolate.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with simple pantry ingredients, perfect for a cozy treat any time of day.
- Customizable: Use any milk you like, dairy or non-dairy, and adjust the sweetness or spices to make it your own.
- Perfect for One: This small batch hot chocolate recipe makes just the right amount for a single serving, no leftovers needed.
- Great for Any Season: Enjoy it on a chilly winter night or as a comforting treat year-round.
I’ve always believed a good cup of hot chocolate has the power to brighten even the coldest day. This single serving hot chocolate is my favorite way to slow down and enjoy a little comfort.
It’s rich, creamy, and made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Whether you’re curling up with a book or winding down after a long day, this small batch recipe is the perfect cozy treat made just for you.
Pair your rich, creamy hot chocolate with a spoonful of homemade whipped cream or soft marshmallows, and enjoy it alongside a small batch of butter cookies or small gingerbread cake. It’s a simple, comforting combination that makes any moment feel extra special.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serve hot chocolate recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Milk and Cream: Use your preferred milk – whole, 2%, skim, or a dairy-free option like almond or soy milk. For a creamier texture, choose milk with higher fat content or replace part of it with half-and-half. Any leftover milk or cream can be used in recipes like single serving vanilla pudding, single serving panna cotta, and egg nog for one.
- Sugar: Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, or adjust to your preferred sweetness. For a sugar-free version, use a substitute like Swerve.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, full chocolate flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: A small pinch adds gentle warmth and depth.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a smooth, sweet finish.
Recipe Variations
Give your single serving hot chocolate a twist with these easy, homemade flavor ideas. Each one creates rich and creamy cup that tastes like it came from your favorite café:
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Stir in ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract while heating. Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and a mini candy cane for a festive touch.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon instant espresso powder for a chocolate-coffee combo. Finish with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cup and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty small batch treat.
- Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate: Whisk in a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, and nutmeg with the cocoa. Garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
- Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a rich and creamy dairy-free hot chocolate that’s still full of flavor.
How To Make Hot Chocolate For One
These step-by-step instructions show exactly how to make a small batch of hot chocolate. For ingredient amounts and full details, see the recipe card below.
- Heat the milk and cream: In a small saucepan, warm ½ cup milk and ½ cup cream over medium heat. For a lighter version, use 1 cup milk instead.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together the cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Combine: When the milk mixture is hot (but not boiling), slowly whisk in the cocoa mixture. Stir for about 4 minutes, until slightly thickened and darker in color.
- Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for a smooth, rich flavor.
- Serve: Pour into a mug and top with homemade whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Warm Gently: Heat the milk and cream until hot but not boiling to keep your hot chocolate smooth and creamy.
- Whisk Slowly: Gradually whisk the cocoa mixture into the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste and add more sugar or a pinch of cinnamon if you’d like extra sweetness or spice.
- Use Quality Cocoa: For the best flavor, choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder such as Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Valrhona. For a great budget-friendly option, Hershey’s Special Dark also makes a delicious cup. Chopped dark chocolate can be used for an extra rich, café-style drink.
- Make It Frothy: For a café-style touch, whisk the hot chocolate briskly or use a milk frother just before pouring to create a light foam and smooth, creamy texture.
- Store and Reheat: If you have extra, refrigerate in a covered jar for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often, until warm and smooth again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can use 3 heaping tablespoons of finely chopped chocolate or chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder. Melt them into the warm milk for a rich, creamy drink.
Use a plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Be sure to choose unsweetened versions to control the sweetness.
Absolutely. Simply double or triple the ingredients to make a small batch for two or more.
Simmer it a little longer to let it reduce slightly, or whisk in a few chocolate chips or a teaspoon of melted chocolate for a richer, thicker texture.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
If you’ve tried this single serving hot chocolate recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Hot Chocolate For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream and/or marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, warm milk and cream over medium heat.For a lighter version, use 1 cup milk instead.
- In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
- When the milk mixture is hot (but not boiling), slowly whisk in the cocoa mixture. Stir for about 4 minutes, until slightly thickened and darker in color.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for a smooth, rich flavor.
- Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
Notes
- Warm Gently: Heat the milk and cream until hot but not boiling to keep your hot chocolate smooth and creamy.
- Whisk Slowly: Gradually whisk the cocoa mixture into the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste and add more sugar or a pinch of cinnamon if you’d like extra sweetness or spice.
- Use Quality Cocoa: For the best flavor, choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder such as Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Valrhona. For a great budget-friendly option, Hershey’s Special Dark also makes a delicious cup. Chopped dark chocolate can be used for an extra rich, café-style drink.
- Make It Frothy: For a café-style touch, whisk the hot chocolate briskly or use a milk frother just before pouring to create a light foam and smooth, creamy texture.
- Store and Reheat: If you have extra, refrigerate in a covered jar for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often, until warm and smooth again.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Wow! This was easy peazy to make! I read an older comment about doing this in the microwave, so that’s what I did. I didn’t have milk, but I did have heavy cream, half & half and a big container of International Delight Sweet & Creamy coffee creamer. I used all 3 equal measurements and left out the sugar since the coffee creamer already has it!!
This was fantastic and it’s snowing here in Philly!! Happy Holidays!!!
You don’t miss Joanie! ODK is an amazing website.
I am still shocked at how many recipes I can find on this site to cover every craving in a small batch form. Even better, I always seem to have the right ingredients already in my kitchen to make them 😊
Loved the hot chocolate BTW 😉
Thank you so much, Lisa!
Fall is upon us and this hot chocolate just made its seasonal debut in my household. This time I tried the spice blend variation — cinnamon, chipotle chili powder, and nutmeg. Just a small pinch of each gave the beverage a wonderful complexity that complimented the chocolate without overtaking it. Looking forward to several more.
I was craving a cup of hot chocolate and just knew ODK would have a recipe! Wow! Super rich and delicious! No need for those store bought dry packet mixes!