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Imagine sipping on the richest, creamiest hot chocolate, perfectly sized just for you. Whether you’ve had a long day or simply want to indulge, this Hot Chocolate For One recipe has got you covered. Let’s turn your kitchen into a cozy café!
Enjoy a cup of thick hot chocolate, crowned with silky homemade whipped cream or marshmallows, and pair it with a delightful small batch of butter cookies or spiced gingerbread. This combination offers the perfect balance of rich, creamy warmth and the comforting sweetness of freshly baked treats, ideal for a personal indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate For One
- Unparalleled Richness: This hot chocolate recipe uses cream for a luxuriously rich and creamy texture. It’s a true chocolate lover’s dream!
- Customize to Your Liking: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite milk choice (dairy or non-dairy) and sweetener.
- Simple & Quick: Whip up a satisfying hot chocolate in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. It’s the perfect treat for any time of day.
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Why Make Homemade Hot Chocolate?
Forget those instant hot chocolate packets! Making hot chocolate from scratch gives you a richer, more satisfying experience. Skip the preservatives, extra sugar, and additives, and choose your own high-quality ingredients for a truly delicious drink. Plus, customizing your hot chocolate is a breeze! Easily customize the sweetness, richness, or even add a dash of spice or a swirl of caramel – it’s totally up to you! Whether you prefer dairy or non-dairy, homemade hot chocolate is completely adaptable.
Plus, there’s something extra comforting about creating a warm, cozy mug from scratch. A single serving recipe is perfect – no leftovers, just the perfect amount of hot chocolate to make your moment special. Ditch the store-bought mixes for a fun flavor adventure, all within a single, satisfying cup!
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 whole, skim, 1%, 2%, or a dairy-free alternative (almond, soy, etc.). Higher fat milk offers more richness. Substitute with half-and-half for extra creaminess. Leftover milk or cream? Try Vanilla Pudding, Panna Cotta, and Egg Nog.
- Sugar: 2 tbsp of granulated sugar is standard, but adjust to taste. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like Swerve.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the purest chocolate flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma for a gourmet experience.
Recipe Variations
Interested in tweaking this recipe? Here are some fun variations to try.
- Classic Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add a 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract to your hot chocolate while it simmers. Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and a mini candy cane for a festive treat.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Mix in a 1/4 teaspoon of instant espresso powder with your hot chocolate for a boost of coffee flavor. Garnish with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Prepare your hot chocolate as directed. Top with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty indulgence.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Whisk a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of chili powder, and a pinch of nutmeg into the cocoa powder mixture before pouring into the milk. Top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for an authentic flavor experience.
How To Make Hot Chocolate For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a small batch of hot chocolate. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Heat a mixture of 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup cream in a small saucepan. For a lighter version, use 1 cup of milk instead, but the addition of cream provides a richer taste.
- In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Once the milk and cream are hot, blend in this cocoa mixture, stirring continuously for about 4 minutes. The hot chocolate will thicken and darken as the ingredients meld.
- Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Serve the hot chocolate in a mug.
Optional: Add marshmallows on top for extra sweetness. This quick and easy recipe makes a delightful, rich hot chocolate that feels like a luxurious treat.
Expert Tips
- Perfect Temperature: Heat the milk and cream together, but don’t let them boil to maintain a smooth texture.
- Whisk Wisely: Whisk or stir the cocoa powder mixture into the milk mixture gradually to avoid lumps.
- Taste Test: Always taste before you pour into your mug; adjust sweeteners or spices as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! Store leftover hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently for the best flavor.
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients to make enough for two servings.
Cream creates a luxuriously rich hot chocolate, but it’s not essential. You can use whole milk or your favorite non-dairy milk instead. Just remember that using different ingredients will cause the hot chocolate to be less thick and rich.
We don’t recommend using the microwave for this recipe. It’s best to make this hot chocolate on the stovetop for the richest flavor and creamiest 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:
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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
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
Instructions
- Heat the milk and cream in a small saucepan.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Once the milk and cream are hot, blend in this cocoa mixture, stirring continuously for about 4 minutes. The hot chocolate will thicken and darken as the ingredients meld.
- Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve the hot chocolate in a mug.Optional: Add marshmallows on top for extra sweetness.
Video
Notes
- Perfect Temperature: Heat the milk and cream together, but don’t let them boil to maintain a smooth texture.
- Whisk Wisely: Whisk or stir the cocoa powder mixture into the milk mixture gradually to avoid lumps.
- Taste Test: Always taste before you pour into your mug; adjust sweeteners or spices as desired.
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.
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!
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!