Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate For One Recipe

This is the best single serve hot cocoa recipe!

Nothing beats a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold night, especially when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Making a homemade version is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients and create a richer, creamier, and healthier version of the classic drink.

In this post, I’m sharing my best hot chocolate recipe that requires only a few simple ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to make. Whether you prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate, you’ll find this recipe delicious, comforting, and perfect for a cold day or night.

Since you are here and love cozy, perfect for winter drink recipes, check out this Creamy White Hot Chocolate Recipe, this Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Recipe, or this Hot & Iced Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Latte!

What is Hot Chocolate?

Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa, is a warm beverage made from cocoa powder or chocolate chips, milk, sugar, and other flavorings. It’s a classic drink that’s enjoyed during the winter season, especially on cold nights or cold days.

There are a couple of different variations of this delicious beverage. There’s French hot chocolate, which is thick and rich. And there are healthier versions that use alternative milks and sweeteners. A good hot chocolate should be rich, creamy, and chocolatey without being too sweet or too watery.

Ingredients for this Hot Chocolate for One Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Whole Milk: works really in hot chocolate. The full fat content gives a creaminess without taking it over the top. For an extra rich hot chocolate, use half-and-half. For a lighter version, use nonfat milk.
• Chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a deeper, stronger chocolate flavor. Use milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate for a more balanced flavor between strength and sweetness. Or use white chocolate chips for a distinctly different flavor and extra creaminess.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Great for adding chocolate flavor without making the drink too thick or altering the texture like chocolate chips will.
• Sweetener: Use whatever type you like. Brown sugar and granulated sugar are my favorites, but you could also use stevia leaf extract, or coconut sugar. Honey and maple syrup would add a sweetness while also bringing a unique and tasty flavor to it.
• Vanilla Extract: The addition of vanilla is used in almost all chocolate treats to help enhance the flavor of the chocolate itself.
• Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to balance out the sweetness and heighten the other flavors.
• Optional Toppings: If you’re going to put the effort in to make a homemade hot chocolate, you might as well make it worth it by making it extra fun and delicious with toppings! Try whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chopped chocolate, cinnamon sticks, or cayenne pepper.

How to Make this Hot Chocolate for One Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the full step-by-step instructions! 

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium-low heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
2. Add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the hot milk. Whisk continuously until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot chocolate into a cup.
4. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or any other toppings you like.
5. Enjoy!

Why You Should Make This Hot Chocolate for One Recipe:

• Simple ingredients: You only need a few simple ingredients that you might even already have.
• Easy recipe: This recipe is very easy to follow, even for beginners. You only need one small saucepan and less than 10 minutes of your time.
• Delicious way to satisfy your chocolate craving: If you’re craving something chocolatey and sweet, this recipe is the perfect solution. It’s creamy, rich, and satisfying.
• Healthier than store-bought hot chocolate mix: Most of the mix pouches you find at the grocery store are packed with sugar and artificial ingredients. Making your own hot chocolate allows you to control the amount of sugar and use high-quality ingredients.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Can I Use Hot Water Instead of Milk?

While you can use hot water but I don’t recommend it Using milk creates a creamier and richer drink. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use alternative milks like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

Can I Use Hot Chocolate Mix Instead of Chocolate Chips or bar and Cocoa Powder?

You can use mix pouches, but they tend to be overly sweet and contain artificial ingredients. Using real chocolate and cocoa powder creates a more authentic and less processed drink.

How Can I Make a Big Batch of Hot Cocoa?

To make a big batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.

How to Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?

Since this beverage has dairy, you’re going to want to put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge once it has cooled down fully. It should last like that for up to 3 or 4 days.

Can I Add Different Flavors?

Absolutely! The best way to do that would be by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom for a perfectly spiced hot chocolate.

You can also use a simple syrup that is infused with your favorite flavors instead of using the sugar in this recipe if you want to get creative.

Can I Make a Vegan Hot cocoa for One?

Yes, you actually can! Of course, you would have to use plant-based milk as well as dairy free chocolate. You would also have to make sure that any chocolate chips that you add are dairy-free, especially because most of them do use some form of it.

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate For One Recipe – Single Serve Hot Cocoa

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