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 😉
Easy Hot Cocoa from Scratch
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!
Hello! This looks amazing. I will have to try it. Does this work with water?
Hi Diana! So sorry for the late reply. I would not recommend substituting water in this recipe. I prefer it to have a creamier consistency.
Thanks for getting back to me so fast. I will try the syrup recipe too. Have a wonderful week!
Can't wait till tomorrow, will definitely need this with chilly temps finally here!
Could this recipe be used to make a COLD glass of milk too? Thanks for all the great recipes.
My pleasure Karen! Honestly for some reason it doesn't seem to work as well for cold chocolate milk; I find the cocoa/sugar want to clump up when the milk is cold. However, I do have a recipe for homemade chocolate syrup that is super simple and works great for chocolate milk. You can find that here: https://bakingamoment.com/homemade-chocolate-syrup/. Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy!
WOW this is so good!!!!! Better than those packets and I've had many of them, What I like is that this is so delicious and no artificial flavors or chemicals. Of course you know I added the marshmallows.
Hooray!!! I love it with marshmallows. I'm so glad you like it too Dina! Thanks so much for the great feedback 🙂
Oh my gosh, I can't stand those hot cocoa packets anymore. Once you start making it from scratch, it's pretty much impossible to go back. Homemade versions are so much better! Love these photos, Allie!
Girl I am so with you! You really can't go back at all. It's nowhere near as good. Thank you so much hon! xoxo
Homemade cocoa is the beeest! Agreed! No doubt the prepackaged stuff has so many things in it I can't pronounce... this is way better and so simple! Delicious my dear!
Thank you so much Traci! I couldn't agree more- the flavor is just so much better when it's homemade!
Gorgeous! I totally agree that nothing compares to homemade. The packets can't even try! I'm in love with those copper stirring spoons!
Aw thank you so much Lindsey! I picked those up at Sur la Table. Food blogger's heaven, lol!
I thought they were from SLT! It truly is a food blogger's heaven. I used to work there, and I miss having a discount! lol
Haha I bet! Did you know we can get a discount as food bloggers? I want to say it's 10%. Just tell them you're a food professional and they'll give you a little card!
Love hot cocoa! This looks great, Allie! It's great how quick and easy it is to make! I'm definitely going to give your recipe a go! 🙂
Awesome- I hope you enjoy it, Jess! Thanks so much sweetie!
I really need to start making hot cocoa at home! I never drink it because the ones from the store are WAYYY to sugary for me. But this recipe looks like it would hit the spot! Pinning!
Thank you so much Lauren! I totally agree- the ones from the store are so sugary and they don't even taste like chocolate 😉
I have to agree that homemade hot chocolate is waaaaay better!! I love how you did this in the micro so I can enjoy a cup even faster!!
I know, right? Even faster and less dishes to wash. So happy you like it, Malinda! Thank you so much!
I so wish I had a mug of this right now, piled high with marshmallows. Might have to whip some up real quick... 🙂 Looks delicious, as usual!
Yay! Thank you so much June! I hope you enjoy 🙂
Homemade hot cocoa is the best! This looks delicious, and I love all those fluffy marhsmallows!
Thank you so much Marcie! I totally agree; I drink it all winter long. Hope your week is off to a great start 🙂
This is EXACTLY how I make my hot cocoa! It's so adjustable to personal levels of sweetness and it's pretty healthy, all things considered 🙂 I sometimes add a touch of sea salt or peppermint extract, too!
Ooh I love the sea salt idea! I hadn't thought of that. So smart! Thanks so much Medha!
Yes, homemade hot cocoa makes all the difference! And it's so easy to make too - I would never go back to the packet kind! I love those little copper spoons you have, by the way - too cute!
Thanks Roxana! I picked those spoons up at Sur la Table. So happy you like them! Hope you're having a great week so far 😀
I am sitting here shivering in my own home (I was not made for cold weather) and thinking that I could really use a mug of this cocoa right now!!
Wasn't disappointed at all! Great recipe with an even greater taste.
Hi Allie! I've been making this exact recipe, times 8, for years! Love it! Calms the nerves without all that fake stuff. 🙂
Oh wow! Isn't it good? I really think there is no comparison to those dusty packets. I'm so glad you agree!