I’m delighted to share my favorite hot cocoa recipe!
Yes, I am a devoted tea drinker. But we also take homemade hot cocoa very seriously at my house! When my kids were growing up, we always made it on days it snowed. We still do. Of course, we also enjoy it on cold, snowless winter days.
After years of experimenting–and my kids growing out of the stage where they preferred things very sweet–this version has become my favorite hot cocoa recipe. It’s sweet, but not nearly as sweet as most store bought cocoa mixes.
This recipe is delicious as it, and also delightful topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. (I had it with rose marshmallows once. Yum!)
Traci’s Favorite Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 1.5 cups whole milk (or alternative)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp strong brewed coffee
- 3 tbsp cream (or alternative)
Instructions
- Put the dry ingredients (cocoa, sugar, and salt) in a saucepan, then whisk in the boiling water.
- Put the dry ingredients (cocoa, sugar, and salt) in a saucepan, then whisk in the boiling water.
- Stir in the milk, heating to very hot. Avoid boiling.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla and coffee. Then, stir in the cream.
- Pour the hot cocoa into mugs.
Notes
Not sure whether to use cocoa or cacao powder? Here’s an article comparing them that could help you decide.
If you try this hot cocoa recipe, I’d love to know what you thought!
Looking for some cookies to pair with this hot cocoa, check out my Orange Zest or Earl Grey Shortbread recipe!