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Homemade Hot Chocolate

A decadent homemade hot chocolate recipe featuring real chocolate, creamy milk, and a touch of vanilla, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beverage, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups whole milk Use whole milk for a rich, creamy base. Substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1/3 cup Redpath Golden Yellow Sugar, packed This sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor. Substitute with brown sugar for a deeper taste.
  • 1 piece vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped Choose high-quality vanilla beans, or use pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) if needed.
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt A touch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • 75 grams unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped Use high-quality chocolate for the best results!
Toppings (Optional)
  • 1 serving whipped cream For topping.
  • 1 serving marshmallows Perfect for melting into your cup!
  • 1 serving cocoa powder A dusting for a sophisticated touch.

Method
 

Combine Ingredients
  1. In a medium pot, combine whole milk, Redpath Golden Yellow Sugar, vanilla seeds and pod, and salt. Place over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the milk is steaming but not boiling—about 5 minutes.
Melt Chocolate
  1. While the milk heats, place the finely chopped unsweetened chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Once the milk is ready, carefully ladle about 1 cup of steaming milk into the bowl with the chocolate. Let it sit for about 1 minute before gently stirring to melt the chocolate completely.
Combine Mixtures
  1. After the chocolate has melted, add another ladleful of the hot milk back into the bowl to help emulsify the chocolate. Gradually reduce the heat to low, and gently whisk in the melted chocolate-milk mixture into the pot. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Final Touches
  1. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod. Carefully ladle the hot chocolate into four mugs, then top with optional whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Enjoy!

Notes

Quality ingredients matter for the best flavor. Properly store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and gently reheat on the stovetop.