Rich and creamy hot chocolate recipe - The best tasting homemade hot chocolate! Made with milk, cocoa powder and sugar. So easy to make!
A mug of rich and thick hot chocolate is perfect to enjoy on a cold winter day and there's something especially wonderful about homemade hot chocolate for one.
Why This Recipe Works
- This homemade hot chocolate recipe delivers a mug of hot chocolate that is so much richer than hot chocolate that comes from the store bought packets. In fact, this single serving recipe is a scaled down version of the hot chocolate I made when my five children were living at home. I would make a big pot of hot chocolate every time the weather turned cool and I always had it simmering on the stove during the holidays.
- This recipe will make enough for 1 large mug of hot chocolate or 2 small cups.
- It's easy to make!
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Ingredient Notes
See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Milk and cream: Hot chocolate needs a creamy base and we love the combination of heavy cream and milk. Feel free to use any percentage of milk; whole, skim, 1 or 2% - you can also use almond or soy milk too. Keep in mind, the higher the fat content of the milk you use, the richer and creamier the hot chocolate will be.
- Sugar: We use 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in this recipe. You can use a sugar substitute like Swerve instead.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds a tremendous amount of flavor!
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla will make this hot chocolate for one recipe taste gourmet!
How To Make This Recipe
- Start by heating 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of cream in a small saucepan. You can skip the cream if you'd like and instead add 1 cup of milk but I prefer the richness of the hot chocolate when it's made with that little bit of cream. You can definitely taste a difference.
- While the milk and cream are heating, mix together cocoa powder, sugar and a touch of cinnamon in a separate bowl. Pour the powdered mixture into the hot milk/cream and stir for about 4 minutes. As the sugar and cocoa melt into the milk, the chocolate mixture thickens and becomes darker.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add in a little vanilla extract. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, top with marshmallows if you'd like and enjoy!
Quick, easy and incredibly delicious. It's like drinking a mug of pure chocolate.
Expert Tips
- You can make this hot chocolate with any type of milk, but the higher the fat content in the milk you use, the creamier the hot chocolate will taste.
- Slow, even heating ensures the milk won't scald, so whisk the hot chocolate often and don't rush the process.
- Consider adding a touch of Crème de Menthe or Bailey's Irish Cream to your hot chocolate = spectacular!
Frequently Asked Questions
Take your hot chocolate to the next level by adding whipped cream or marshmallows.
We don't recommend using the microwave for this recipe. A slow simmer on the stove works best.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients left over from this hot chocolate recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
- Milk: Pralines, Chicken Spaghetti, Strawberry Milkshake
- Cream: Banana Cream Pie, Vanilla Ice Cream, Alfredo Sauce
- Cocoa Powder: Chocolate Rice Pudding, Chocolate Coffee Creamer, Triple Chocolate Scones
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Other Single Serving And Small Batch Chocolate Recipes
- Chocolate Candy
- Two Ingredient Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Truffles
- Chocolate Mousse
- Chocolate Pudding
- Flourless Chocolate Cookies
- Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie
For information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this hot chocolate 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!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the milk and cream into a small saucepan and heat to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir together the sugar, cocoa powder and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Stir the cocoa/sugar mixture into the saucepan. Stir and simmer 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to let the milk boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour into cup and enjoy.
Notes
- You can make this hot chocolate with any type of milk, but the higher the fat content in the milk you use, the creamier the hot chocolate will taste.
- Slow, even heating ensures the milk won't scald, so whisk the hot chocolate often and don't rush the process.
- Consider adding a touch of Crème de Menthe or Bailey's Irish Cream to your hot chocolate = spectacular!
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 are the best.. I enjoy your recipes
Thank you, Betty. I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes.
I mix the ingredients together before microwaving right in the cup. Takes a minute to mix and 2 to heat. (I mix the dry ingredients and add a little hot water to blend before pouring in milk or 1/2and 1/2) Add vanilla after heating.
Thank you for sharing your microwave version. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Joanie
Joanie–This is perfect for when the craving strikes. Can’t wait to give it a try.
OMG I want that! Looks so yum!
Nicole Parise
With the weather being all gloomy and freezing,this is just right and would love to have this everyday.
This sounds so easy and like a mugful of comfort! How delicious!
Yum! I love adding vanilla! Perfect drink for those chilly nights!
I have never made from scratch homemade hot chocolate. Lately I have been using the K-cups :/ but one day I will make it from scratch like your recipe!