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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Drinks

    Hot Cocoa

    February 1, 2024 By Sam 43 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
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    collage of hot cocoa, top image close up of cocoa in mug photographed from above, bottom image of two mugs filled and topped with chocolate shavings and whipped cream

    Skip the store-bought packets and make this 5-minute hot cocoa recipe! It tastes SO much better and uses just 6 pantry staples. Perfect for a snow day! Recipe includes a how-to video!

    Cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

    What’s to Love About This Hot Cocoa Recipe

    • Rich chocolate flavor that’s SO much better than the pre-made packets! No artificial flavors here.
    • Takes just 5 minutes to make! Great for whipping up last-minute.
    • Uses pantry staples, so there’s no need to run to the store. Because of this, it makes a tasty snow day treat, especially when paired with my french toast or peanut butter cookies ❄️
    • Makes a single serving but easily doubles or triples for more.
    • Can be made dairy-free by swapping in a non-dairy milk.

    While I already have a rich, decadent hot chocolate recipe on the blog, it’s not necessarily a quick treat. It’s the ultimate hot chocolate if you ask me, but it’s also slightly fussier than ripping open a packet and pouring it in some hot water. Some days I want something that’s just a little bit less complicated, but still chocolatey and flavorful.

    This hot cocoa recipe is the solution for all of you who are just as impatient as I am. It’s easier and more basic, but still satisfying and better than those fake store bought packets. It’s perfect for days when you’re snowed in and stuck with what’s already in your pantry. I think you’re going to love it!

    Ingredients

    This recipe so simple with just 6 ingredients, all of which are pantry staples.

    Overhead view of six ingredients including brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, milk, cream, and vanilla.
    • Milk. I prefer to use whole milk, but you can really use whatever you have on hand, including non-dairy milk. Just keep in mind that whatever milk you use can change the final flavor/texture of your cocoa.
    • Cocoa powder. Do not use Dutch processed cocoa powder, which is unfortunately unpleasant in this drink. Stick with natural cocoa powder for this recipe.
    • Brown sugar. This drink is perfectly sweetened without being over the top. I opt for brown sugar which has a richer flavor than granulated because of the molasses, so it deepens the flavor of the cocoa nicely. I actually do this with quite a few of my chocolatey recipes, like my chocolate cake and my brownies. In a pinch you can substitute granulated sugar.
    • Heavy cream. This is optional, but I love the richness it adds to this recipe. If you don’t have cream, or simply don’t want to use it, you can just use additional milk instead.
    • Vanilla and salt. A pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla round out the flavors and make it so satisfying!

    SAM’S TIP: To create a velvety smooth texture, I start by whisking just a bit of the milk with the cocoa and sugar mixture. This helps the sugar dissolve evenly and blooms the cocoa too (for a rich chocolate flavor!).

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

    How to Make Hot Cocoa

    Cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt being whisked together in a pot.
    1. Whisk together the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
    Cocoa and milk mixture darkening on the stovetop.
    1. Add a few tablespoons of the milk and whisk until you have a smooth mixture. Heat over medium low, whisking frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the color deepens to a darker brown. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free final result.
    Cream being poured into hot cocoa on the stovetop.
    1. Pour in the cream and remaining milk and keep cooking/whisking until your cocoa is steaming.
    Vanilla extract being poured into a milk, cream, and cocoa mixture on the stove.
    1. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the vanilla, then serve! I like to top mine with mini marshmallows and homemade whipped cream.

    SAM’S TIP: Just like when making chocolate pudding, it’s best to add the vanilla after removing from the heat. Adding it before would cook off the flavor (and we don’t want to waste any vanilla extract–have you seen how expensive that stuff is?!).

    Two cups of cocoa topped with whipped cream, marshmallow, and chocolate shavings.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?

    Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder and hot chocolate is made with melted chocolate. Hot chocolate is typically richer and thicker as a result, and it takes a bit more time and effort to make.

    Can I substitute water for the milk/cream?

    In my opinion, hot cocoa is MUCH better with milk (and cream!). It’s richer, silkier, and has a far better flavor. I do not recommend making this recipe with water.

    Can I make this hot cocoa recipe dairy free?

    Yes. Making this recipe dairy-free is as simple as using a non-dairy milk! Just substitute this for the milk and cream, and you’re good to go.

    Overhead view of a cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

    If you really want to get fancy, top your hot cocoa with some chocolate whipped cream or add a drizzle of chocolate sauce inside your mug!

    Enjoy!

    Let’s bake together! Subscribe to my newsletter to be notified of all the newest recipes, and find my free recipe tutorials on YouTube 💜

    Cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

    Hot Cocoa

    Skip the store-bought packets and make this 5-minute hot cocoa recipe! It tastes SO much better and uses just 6 pantry staples. Perfect for a snow day!
    Recipe includes a how-to video!
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 418kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoons (25 g) light brown sugar firmly packed
    • 1 Tablespoon (6 g) natural cocoa powder
    • Pinch of table salt about 1/16th teaspoon
    • ¾ cup (177 ml) milk divided
    • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (may substitute with more milk)
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Recommended Equipment

    • Small saucepan
    • Whisk

    Instructions

    • In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt and whisk together.
      2 Tablespoons (25 g) light brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon (6 g) natural cocoa powder, Pinch of table salt
    • Add approximately 2-3 Tablespoons of your milk and whisk until smooth.
      ¾ cup (177 ml) milk
    • Place saucepan over low heat and whisk until sugar begins to melt and mixture darkens in color.
    • Add the remaining milk and the heavy cream and whisk until mixture is steaming.
      ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
    • Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Stir well then pour into heatproof mug. Enjoy warm, this cocoa is excellent enjoyed plain/as-is or topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, etc.!
      ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Notes

    Servings

    This recipe makes 1 cup of hot cocoa. Feel free to double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to make as many cups of cocoa as you’d like.

    Cocoa

    Use natural/unsweetened cocoa powder. I do not recommend using Dutch cocoa, it has an unpleasant taste in this recipe.

    Sugar

    I prefer light brown sugar, but regular granulated sugar could be substituted.

    Milk

    I use and recommend whole milk, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

    Heavy cream

    This ingredient is optional. If you don’t have it on hand or don’t want to use it, simply substitute with more milk (bringing the total amount of milk to 1 cup (236ml).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 440mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 1171IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 291mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deana Garriott

      May 24, 2025 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      I was about seven when I started cooking. my mom and dad both worked. so we learned early. one day just home from school tea Ted something sweet. had already learned my lesson about it may say chocolate but it’s not edible by itself. well there was a recipe on the can for hot cocoa well I could do this,and that I did. delicious. your recipe is the same. delicious.

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 26, 2025 at 9:45 pm

        Thank you for sharing your story, Deana! I’m glad you enjoy it. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Alan G

      March 06, 2025 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and quick to make. I like it that it makes a single serving. Easy to multiply it for more. I nice chocolaty flavour.

      Reply
      • Casey @ Sugar Spun Run

        March 07, 2025 at 11:06 am

        Hi Alan! So glad you enjoyed it so much!

        Reply
    3. Ada

      February 25, 2025 at 7:39 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing! Sam, you were not joking about it being better than the store-bought mix. The brown sugar is so flavorful, and the heavy cream makes it taste like there is whipped cream IN it! I am never going back to the packets, if I can help it.

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 25, 2025 at 9:17 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Ada! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. Marcus

      February 22, 2025 at 9:17 pm

      5 stars
      Creamy, delicious and just right. I subbed half and half for the heavy cream since that was going to be too
      heavy for my cholesterol. Good thing, bc it was plenty rich without it. I also used half brown sugar and half white sugar instead of all brown, and it still rendered perfection and my family was wowed. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 24, 2025 at 10:23 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Marcus! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Dale

      February 07, 2025 at 7:03 am

      5 stars
      This s the version.

      Reply
    6. Ivy

      February 04, 2025 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe! I tried making it vegan once and it was amazing! Thank you Sam!

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 07, 2025 at 5:05 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Ivy! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    7. Alyssa

      January 27, 2025 at 10:34 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious and creamy!! This is my go to recipe

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 28, 2025 at 6:08 am

        I’m so glad you enjoy it so much, Alyssa! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. William

      January 26, 2025 at 5:22 am

      5 stars
      Lovely flavor and creaminess. Made if for my husband who is recovering from a fall yesterday and this was the first thing he wanted to cheer him up. I only made one cup but using the stick mixer it frothed up so much that there was some for me to drink and I am very impressed.

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 28, 2025 at 11:28 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, William! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    9. Liz A

      January 21, 2025 at 2:53 pm

      Best ever hit cocoa โ€ฆ made ours with Hersheyโ€™s Extra Dark 100% Cocoa and highly recommend

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 21, 2025 at 3:55 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Liz! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 20 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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