Easy Hot Cocoa from Scratch
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Craving something warm and comforting? This easy Hot Cocoa recipe won't disappoint! So much rich, chocolate flavor and it whips up in less than 2 minutes flat! Made from scratch, in the microwave, with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
I can't seem to get enough hot cocoa at this time of year. It's my go-to afternoon drink. It warms my hands and feels like such a treat.
Years ago, when I worked in an office as an architect, I used to keep packets in my desk drawer. It was a nice break in my day, but honestly? The flavor was pretty blech. Watery, sugar-y, and really, zero chocolate flavor.
After my kiddos were born and I was home in the afternoons, I realized how easy it really is to make it homemade, from scratch, and how much more incredibly creamy, rich, and chocolate-y it can taste!
All in less than two minutes! I do this in my microwave and it's so easy. A little cocoa powder, sweeten to taste, milk, pop it in, warm it up, stir in vanilla extract... boom!
I topped it off with a handful of marshmallows because duh, but there are ALL kinds of ways this can be jazzed up. Sometimes I add almond extract, or peppermint extract, whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, heck I'll even spike it with Bailey's or Frangelico! You just can't go wrong.
Stop with the packets. If you really want to taste chocolate, THIS is your jam!
*This is my "everyday" hot cocoa, but if you're wanting something a little more fancy, check out my European-Style Hot Chocolate here 😉
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons (1.5 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ½ teaspoons (2.5 teaspoons) granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cup (305 ml) milk
- ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the cocoa powder and sugar in the bottom of a microwave-safe mug, and stir together.
- Pour the milk over, and microwave until hot (on my microwave this takes about 90 seconds).
- Stir together until all the lumps have dissolved.
- Stir in the vanilla, and enjoy!
This is a really good, really easy recipe. I put more sugar in it than in the recipe because the chocolate flavor was a little bitter, and I cooked it on the stove because our microwave is kaput.
I had Tesla service out to switch my tires to snow tires, and it was cold out...I met him with a mug of this hot cocoa, and he was very appreciative. It was a little way to show appreciation, and it was nice to share a mug with him.
Aw, that's so nice of you! Thanks so much for sharing that and for the positive feedback as well!
Thanks for the recipe! I love hot chocolate but the store-bought stuff is too sweet. Now I can make it how I like it for a lot less money.
Sounds real easy..i want to try for my other half
Hope you both enjoy!