Hot cocoa is so decadent and delicious, and it only needs 3 ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Enjoy!
It’s pretty common to think of hot chocolate as coming from a packet. That’s the easiest way to make hot chocolate, for sure. And we even have a packaged hot chocolate brand taste-test comparison for you if you’re thinking of going the packaged route.
But, if you’re like me though, you often crave hot chocolate when you don’t have a handy box on hand.
Video: How To Make Hot Chocolate With Cocoa Powder
Ingredients
If you don’t have the packets or just want something a little more special, here we are. How to make hot cocoa from scratch. It only requires 3 ingredients and is ready in moments. If you have sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, you’re ready to make delicious hot cocoa.
Of course, you can use more than the three basic ingredients if you’d like. A pinch of salt works wonder, and some people like some cinnamon or vanilla in their cocoa.
Oh, if you don’t have cocoa but do have actual chocolate, never fear! Here are instructions for making hot chocolate using chocolate chips. You can also get fancy and try this Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate recipe.
How To Make Hot Cocoa
Step #1 Start With Sugar
Grab your favorite mug from the cupboard. The bigger the better. Add some sugar to the bottom of the mug. Cocoa powder is quite bitter so you may need more sugar than you realize. I go with 2 tablespoons of sugar for 1 tablespoon of cocoa.
Step #2 Add Cocoa Powder
Then add some unsweetened cocoa powder, about 1 tablespoon. Try using a dark chocolate variety for an intense cup.
Step #3 Incorporate With Milk
A little splash of milk just to incorporate the dry ingredients, 1-2 tablespoons. I choose whole milk when I have it because it makes the cocoa rich and creamy. If you have 2% milk, or even soy milk or almond milk, those can be used too. The richness and flavor will be slightly different with different milk choices.
Step #4 Stir To Dissolve
Stir together until no lumps remain and the mixture is smooth. This can take a moment since the cocoa and the sugar don’t dissolve well in cold liquids, but do your best to get them as incorporated as you can.
It should be thick and dark, like this:
Step #5 Pour In Remaining Milk
Slowly stir in the remaining milk until incorporated.
Step #6 Microwave To Heat
Pop it in the microwave for a minute then stir to distribute the heat. Place it back in the microwave and cook for another 30 seconds or until the cocoa is nice and hot.
All you need now is a blanket, some marshmallows, and a fireplace.
Podcast Episode: Making Hot Cocoa
Listen to learn how to make this recipe, along with some great tips from Christine:
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
Print
Hot Cocoa Recipe
This hot cocoa is made in the microwave but you can instead do it on the stove. Do step #1 in a small sauce pan. Then add the milk from step 2 to the sauce pan. Then heat on the stove until the desired temperature is reached.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 2 Tbsp. + 1 cup milk, divided
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In mug, stir together sugar, cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of the milk until combined and there are no chunks of cocoa powder.
- Add in remaining 1 cup milk and stir.
- Microwave 1 minute. Stir then microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until hot. Add a pinch of salt and stir.
This post originally appeared in December, 2015 and was revised and republished in December 2022.
This recipe is perfect! Better than the packets! Now, I’m all set for a Christmas movie. Thank you!
Nita, And now I want to make a cup and go watch a Christmas movie. Lovely! I’m so happy you like it and thank you for coming back to let me know <3
salt? seriously?
Yes, you don’t have to, Karen, but a tiny pinch of salt can help enhance the sweet richness of the chocolate and make it taste even better.
delicious.
Thank you, Cindy!
Is very tasty and it was a nice treat for my family and I to enjoy on Christmas morning!
Erin, So happy you liked it. Thank you!
Nice and easy without dirtying another pot . And the taste is great!
Thank you, Toni! I’m glad you enjoyed.
This tastes EXACTLY like the hot chocolate my mom made for us as kids. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Cheryl, That’s so good to hear! I learned how to do this from my mom, so I feel the same way. Thanks for letting us know!
Very Good Recipe
The Taste Of It Blew My Mind
It Was Something I Have Not Tasted In A While And This Specific Hot Cocoa Made Me Smile 🙂
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Elizabeth!
Used sweetener instead of sugar and almond milk instead of regular milk and it tatse amazing. Great for staying keto this Christmas.
Alex, It’s great to know that it worked with the keto substitutions. Thanks for letting us know!
How much is one serving size?
One serving is just over a cup and should fit comfortably in most mugs with room for marshmallows. Enjoy!
Amazing this website was an absolute life saver thank you!!!!
You’re welcome, Brooklyn!
Absolutely beautiful.
Easy to follow and the outcome tastes amazing!!
Added some toffee caramel flavouring and it’s just so yummy!
Oooo… yummy! Thanks for sharing, Roxy.