An easy homemade hot chocolate recipe that’s ready in 10 minutes.  So delicious, you’ll never want to buy the store bought packages again!

Mug of homemade hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and a straw. Chocolate squares rest in the background.

I still can’t believe that this year is almost over! Now that the weather has officially turned freezing cold, the only thing that sounds good is a huge mug of hot chocolate. Oh, and a jacket. Actually, once November is here I wear a jacket whenever possible. Like even inside my house with the heater on.

Just me? Tell me I’m not the only one?

Although I’m not a huge fan of the cold weather, it does give me a good reason to drink as much homemade hot chocolate as humanly possible. 

I actually had intentions of sharing a hot cocoa mix recipe, but after a few batches, I just couldn’t find one that I loved. After a little frustration, I decided to try a recipe for hot chocolate that could easily be made on the stove instead. Can I just say that I’m sooooo glad I did?

The best part about this easy hot chocolate recipe is that you probably have most of the ingredients right at home. There is half of a bar of milk chocolate in this recipe and while you could probably leave it out, I highly recommend it. The hot chocolate tastes so much richer and creamier with it!

Oh, and did I mention that it only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish to make this hot chocolate? Easy and delicious, now that’s my kind of recipe! Enjoy!

Mug of homemade hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and a straw. Chocolate squares and marshmallows rest in the background.

Recipe Ingredients 

Stovetop hot chocolate couldn’t be simpler to make, and it calls for just a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best hot chocolate from scratch: 

  • Milk: Any kind of milk will work. I used 2%, but use what you have on hand. 
  • Cocoa powder: Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder. 
  • Granulated sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your tastes. 
  • Milk chocolate: I used a Hershey’s milk chocolate bar, but any kind will work. 
  • Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances out the sweetness of the recipe. 
  • Vanilla extract: Optional, but recommended. Adds extra flavor! 

How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate 

It’s easy to make hot chocolate from scratch! Add 1 cup of milk to a large saucepan and mix in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the remaining milk. 

Heat the mixture until it’s warm, then remove from the heat. Stir in the chocolate and whisk until fully combined. I also like to whisk in some vanilla extract, but this is completely optional!

Overhead view of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows in a glass mug. Chocolate squares and mini marshmallows rest in the background.

Hot Chocolate Toppings to Try

You can keep things simple and garnish your homemade hot chocolate with marshmallows, or you can try one (or more!) of the following toppings: 

Baking Tips

  • When warming the hot chocolate, be careful not to bring it to a boil. 
  • For a richer stovetop hot chocolate, use dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate. 
  • For an extra fancy mug of hot chocolate, try rimming your glass with melted chocolate or chocolate ganache and dipping it in crushed peppermint candies, sprinkles, or another favorite topping. 

More Winter Treats to Try! 

Stovetop Homemade Hot Chocolate

5 from 7 ratings
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
An easy homemade hot chocolate recipe that's ready in 10 minutes. So delicious, you'll never want to buy the store-bought packages again!
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Ingredients

Servings: 4 servings
  • 4 cups (960 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (22 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 of a 1.55 oz. milk chocolate bar (I used Hershey's)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Splash of vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour 1 cup of the milk into the sauce pan and add the cocoa powder and sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth and all of the lumps are removed.
  • Add the remaining milk and whisk together well. Heat the hot chocolate mixture until very warm, but do not boil.
  • Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and add ½ of a bar of milk chocolate. Mix until the chocolate is melted. Add vanilla if desired.
  • Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and enjoy!

Notes

*Milk: I used 2% milk for this recipe.
Cuisine: American
Course: Drinks
Author: Danielle
Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.

Adapted from Hershey’s.