Classic Hot Chocolate
In short: Creamy hot chocolate made from cocoa powder, milk and a little sugar, whisked into a smooth paste first so it has no lumps. It takes about 11 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 6 min
- Total
- 11 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 215 kcal
A proper mug of hot chocolate takes five minutes and costs very little. Cocoa powder, milk and sugar are all you need, plus a pinch of salt and a drop of vanilla to deepen the flavor. The one step that matters is mixing the cocoa to a paste with a little milk before adding the rest, which removes lumps for good. Keep the heat gentle and the drink will not scorch or form a skin.
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk the cocoa, sugar and salt with 60 ml (1/4 cup) of the milk until you have a smooth paste with no dry lumps.
- Set the pan over medium-low heat and stir for 1 minute, until the paste is glossy.
- Pour in the rest of the milk slowly, whisking as you go.
- Heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the milk is steaming and small bubbles form at the edge. Do not let it boil.
- Take the pan off the heat, stir in the vanilla and whisk hard for 20 seconds to make the top foamy.
- Pour into two mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if you like.
Tips
- Use whole milk for the creamiest drink. For a dairy-free mug, use oat or soy milk, which both foam well.
- Warm a strip of orange zest or a cinnamon stick in the milk for a flavored version, or stir in a drop of peppermint extract at the end.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?
Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder and sugar and is lighter. Hot chocolate is traditionally made with melted chocolate, so it is richer, though many people use the names interchangeably.
Can I make hot chocolate ahead?
You can make a batch and keep it in the fridge for 3 days, then reheat gently while whisking. Or mix the cocoa and sugar in advance and add hot milk to order.
Why did my hot chocolate form a skin?
A skin forms when milk proteins dry on the surface. Whisk the drink off the heat for foam, cover the pan if you wait, and do not let it boil.
How long does it take to make Classic Hot Chocolate?
About 11 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 6 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Classic Hot Chocolate?
About 215 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 28 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 215 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Sodium | 170 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
