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Home Β» Baked Goods Β» How to Make Hot Chocolate From Scratch with Chocolate Chips

December 16, 2021 (last updated December 12, 2022)

How to Make Hot Chocolate From Scratch with Chocolate Chips

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Janet Harlow
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There are just 3 ingredients in this creamy, cozy hot chocolate recipe that uses chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder. Delicious dairy-free (vegan) options are included.

2 white mugs with hot chocolate from scratch topped with mini marshmallows. Cup has drizzle of chocolate on mug. Small bowl with chocolate chips on left. Mini marshmallows and chocolate chips scattered in front. Milk bottle and small white pitcher in back.

Ingredients

Chocolate chips -Using chocolate chips makes this a super simple recipe. When using cocoa powder it is also necessary to add sugar. Chocolate chips are already sweetened so just melt them with the milk and you’re ready to go. If you prefer milk chocolate or dark chocolate, either one of those will work.

The measurement included in the recipe card below is for standard sized chocolate chips. If you use mini chocolate chips decrease the amount by 1 tablespoon. If you use chocolate chunks increase by 2 tablespoons.

For a vegan, dairy-free chocolate, Enjoy Life is an excellent option.

Milk bottle, small carafe with milk and small white pitcher. Small glass bowl with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and cocolate chips scattered in front. Mugs and spoons in back right. White background.

Milk – I am mostly dairy-free and avoid milk, so I use a milk substitute. Hemp, coconut, almond, soy, oat, any milk sub will work. Milk substitutes are usually a little bit thinner in texture than cow’s milk, so I use a different proportion of milk and cream to be sure that it is super creamy.

Cream – Cream gives a wonderful rich, thick texture to this hot chocolate. If you prefer to keep the fat level down, it is okay to use all milk. Just substitute the same amount of milk.

There are several excellent dairy-free cream substitutes that will work in this recipe. Nut Pods and Califia Farms unsweetened creamer are good dairy-free cream alternatives. You will use a higher proportion of cream if using a dairy-free milk sub. Regardless of which cream substitute you use, be sure it is unsweetened.

white mug with hot chocolate from scratch topped with whipper cream. Cup has drizzle of chocolate on mug. White pitcher above pouring hot chocolate into mug. Spoon and on left. Mini marshmallows and chocolate chips scattered in front. Milk bottle and small white pitcher in back.

Hot Chocolate Additions

Of course this hot chocolate is just perfect on its own. But there are ingredients you can add to give it a special flavor.

  • Cinnamon is a wonderful flavor pairing with chocolate. Add one teaspoon ground cinnamon and cook it with the milk and chocolate chips.
  • Espresso powder makes this a wonderful mocha, hot chocolate. Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder.
  • Spicy hot chocolate – add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Sounds crazy? A spicy kick with chocolate is an awesome combination.
  • Peanut butter powder – peanut butter and chocolate is a classic combination. If you can find powdered peanut butter, add 1 tablespoon and cook it with the cream, milk and chocolate.
  • Peppermint – peppermint and chocolate is a perfectly festive flavor combo. Add one teaspoon peppermint oil or flavor and top with crushed peppermint candy.
2 white mugs with hot chocolate from scratch topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy. Cup has drizzle of chocolate on mug. Spoon and small bowl with chocolate chips on left. Mini marshmallows and chocolate chips scattered in front. Milk bottle and small white pitcher in back. Candy canes scattered.
white mug with hot chocolate from scratch topped with whipped cream. Cup has drizzle of chocolate on mug. Spoon and small bowl with chocolate chips on left. Mini marshmallows and chocolate chips scattered in front. Milk bottle and small white pitcher in back.

How to Make Hot Chocolate From Scratch with Chocolate Chips

Author: Janet Harlow
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 12 oz mugs
There are just 3 ingredients in this creamy, cozy hot chocolate recipe. No cocoa powder is needed. Dairy-free (vegan) options are included.
No ratings yet
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Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Recommended Products

  • Nut Pods Dairy Free Cream

Ingredients
  

  • 1ΒΎ c milk (see "Notes" below for dairy-free options)
  • ΒΎ c heavy cream
  • Β½ c semi-sweet chocolate chips (standard sized chips)* or 4 oz bar chocolate

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients in a small pot.
  • Place over low-medium heat and heat for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir with a whisk to break up and combine the chocolate chips. If it begins bubbling, turn the heat down.
  • Continue heating, stirring often, until all of the chips are melted and it is a dark chocolate color.
  • Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Notes

For the dairy-free version use 1 1/4 c cream sub (unsweetened) and 1 1/4 c milk substitute.
*If using chocolate chunks, add 1 tablespoon extra. If using mini chips, decrease by 1 tablespoon.
Did you make this recipe?Let me know how it was! Tag @chefjanetk on Instagram.
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Posted In: Baked Goods · Tagged: chocolate, dairy-free, df special

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