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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!

Savor a cup of luxurious 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 cozy indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Recipe

  • Unparalleled Richness: Thanks to the use of cream, this hot chocolate recipe guarantees an irresistibly creamy, rich texture and flavor that will impress even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs.
  • Versatile: This recipe accommodates various dietary needs and preferences. You can opt for non-dairy milk or alternative sweeteners, making it a go-to treat for everyone.
  • Simple & Quick: Using only a handful of ingredients and requiring minimal time, this hot chocolate recipe is both convenient and satisfying. It’s the perfect way to reward yourself after a long day or start a leisurely morning.

RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One

Ingredient Notes

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Milk and Cream: For a luxurious texture, we blend milk with heavy cream. Choose from whole, skim, 1%, or 2% milk based on your preference for richness. Dairy-free options like almond or soy milk work well too. The higher the fat content in your milk, the creamier your hot chocolate will be. Half-and-half is also a suitable substitute. Use leftover milk and cream in Vanilla Pudding, Panna Cotta, and Egg Nog.
  • Sugar: This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, but feel free to swap it out with a sugar substitute like Swerve for a low-calorie option.
  • Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to get that deep, authentic chocolate flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Just a hint of cinnamon elevates the taste, adding a warm and complex layer of flavor to your drink.
  • Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla takes your hot chocolate from good to gourmet, enhancing the overall aroma and flavor profile.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

Recipe Variations

Interested in tweaking this recipe? Here are some fun variations to try.

  • Mocha Twist: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeine kick.
  • Chili Heat: Introduce a pinch of cayenne for a spicy undertone.
  • Minty Fresh: A drop of peppermint extract makes for a refreshing sip.
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How To Make Hot Chocolate

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.

  1. 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.
milk and cream simmering in a small saucepan.
  1. 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.
cocoa and sugar mixed together in a small bowl and poured into a small saucepan.
  1. Remove the pan from the heat and add in vanilla extract.
pouring vanilla into hot chocolate.
  1. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, top with marshmallows if you’d like, and enjoy. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – like drinking a mug of pure chocolate.
pouring hot chocolate from a saucepan into a mug on a kitchen table.

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

Can I make hot chocolate in advance?

Yes, store in the fridge and reheat, but consume within 24 hours.

Can I double this hot chocolate recipe?

Certainly, just keep the ingredient ratios the same.

Do I have to use cream in this hot chocolate recipe?

You can certainly make hot chocolate with just milk or even non-dairy milks like almond or soy. However, be aware that omitting the cream means you’ll miss out on that luxurious richness and creaminess. While it’ll still be a tasty treat, the texture and depth of flavor won’t quite match up to a version made with cream.

Can I make hot chocolate in the microwave?

We don’t recommend using the microwave for this recipe. A slow simmer on the stove works best.

Can I add chocolate chips to this hot chocolate recipe?

Yes, but ensure they’re fully melted for a smooth 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

an overhead view of a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows floating on top.

With this guide, you’re all set to create the perfect mug of hot chocolate tailored to your taste. Enjoy this simple pleasure, one serving at a time!

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 it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Hot Chocolate For One

5 from 13 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Savor a luxurious hot chocolate for one, perfect for cozy indulgence at home. Rich, creamy, and easy to make. Ideal treat paired with fresh baked goodies. This recipe will make enough for 1 large mug of hot chocolate or 2 small cups

Ingredients 
 

  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 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.

Video

Notes

Expert Tip
  • 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

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 278kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 83mg, Sodium: 49mg, Potassium: 179mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 1000IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 117mg, Iron: 1mg

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.

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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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13 Comments

  1. 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.

    1. Thank you for sharing your microwave version. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Joanie

  2. I have never made from scratch homemade hot chocolate before. This recipe is so much better than those store packets.