It’s that time of year again! It’s time to start thinking about curling up on the sofa with a good book, a soft chenille throw, and a cup of steaming homemade hot cocoa with marshmallows slowly melting into swirls of creamy goodness.
Believe it or not, we are kinda, sorta having fall-like weather here in SC. It may be near 80 today (anything in the 70s is considered chilly by my standards). If I crank the air way down low and think about igloos, polar bears, and the time I almost killed myself skiing.
Scratch that last thought about skiing and let’s get back to talking about delicious homemade hot cocoa.
Instant is Okay But Homemade Is Better
I’ve been known to heat a cup of water and dump in a package of hot cocoa mix. But why would I when it takes such little time to make it from scratch? And it’s so much better. I promise!
Really, it only takes a few minutes to make. You’ll never use that instant stuff again. Well, you may, but why would you want to?
Ingredients for Homemade Hot Cocoa
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- sugar (or a low-calorie equivalent of your choice)
- salt
- milk (I’ve also used almond milk with great results)
- vanilla extract
- marshmallows or whipped cream
Festive Holiday Hot Cocoa
For a festive look, crush peppermint sticks and wet the rims of the cups with water. Press rim into crushed peppermint and you’ve added a festive touch AND a unique flavor. Of course, you’ll want to do this before filling the cups with hot cocoa. 🙂
What To Serve With Homemade Hot Cocoa
- Sugar Cookies
- Brownies
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Gingersnaps
- Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
You May Also Like These Recipes
- Hot Cocoa Mix (homemade gift idea!)
- Minty Cocoa Mousse (so good!)
- Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake (my favorite chocolate cake!)
- Chocolate Bundt Cake (yum!)
Homemade Hot Cocoa
A cup of rich, creamy homemade hot cocoa on a cold winter night is so good.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar (or a low-calorie equivalent of your choice)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups milk (I have used almond milk with great results)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Marshmallows or whipped cream
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt until mixed. Stir in a small amount of milk to make a smooth paste; stir in the remainder of the milk.
- Heat over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around the edge, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla. Whisk until smooth and foamy. Pour into 6 cups. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Stuffed Puffs - Variety 2 Pack, Marshmallows Made with Real Chocolate, Perfect for Hot Cocoa and Snacking, 1 bag of Original and 1 bag of Chocolate-on-Chocolate (8.6 oz each) -
Nestle Toll House Cocoa, 8 Ounce
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Moscow Mule Copper Mugs with 4 Straws and Shot Glass - Set of 4 HandCrafted Food Safe Pure Solid Copper Mugs - Bonus Highest Quality Copper Shot Glass and 4 Copper Straws - Attractive Box
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Rae Dunn By Magenta HOT COCOA Ceramic LL Coffee Tea Mug With Red Letters 2019 Limited Edition
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 200Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 20mgSodium 171mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 0gSugar 17gProtein 9g
20 comments
Yummyy! I love marshmallows. This will be great for winters!
Love the recipe, will have to try it! I love your Christmas mugs. I have the dishes to match those, have been adding to my collection anytime I can find them!
May I borrow the dishes that match my mugs? 🙂 I only have the mugs! Would love the dishes!
Would you believe I originally purchased 2 sets at Dollar General a few years ago. I hunt down matching items now at thrift stores and yard sales. I have never seen the mugs like you have though.
Wish I would have seen them! I don’t even remember where my mugs came from. I’ve had them forever!
I received some homemade hot cocoa from a blog gift sway some months ago, but didn’t dig in until about 2 weeks ago. Now it’s all gone and I want some more. It had white chocolate chips in it (which I only discovered after the 5 time drinking it) and she included peppermint sugar to go with. So happy you shared a recipe. I need to get on it ASAP!
Whitney
What a great gift! I bet the white chocolate chips made it over the top good!
I can’t wait until it gets cold enough here in Florida to partake!
I’m waiting for it to be cooler here in South Carolina, as well!
Oh my gosh, yummy! I love hot chocolate.
Me, too, Amber!
Dear Alli, Hot Cocoa is one of my favorite things about the cool weather. There is nothing as delicious as homemade cocoa. This looks wonderful…I love how you dressed it up for Christmas, it is a nice touch.
Blessings, Catherine
Thanks, Catherine. It’s one of my favorite things about fall/winter.
I love homemade cocoa but I always loose the recipes! Pinning yours! 🙂
Thanks for pinning my recipe. It’s so quick and easy, but really rich and yummy.
Growing up my mom would make a big pot of cococa and serve it with homemade crepes. Sweet memories. Thank you for the recipe!
That looks delish & those mugs are beautiful! I wish it would cool down out here – I’m really craving an evening by the fire with one of these 🙂 ~Renee
We had a couple of days of cool weather . . . that’s all. 🙂