Dark chocolate hot chocolate is the perfect treat to satisfy a chocolate craving. This rich and creamy easy homemade recipe will warm you up on a chilly day.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s ideal for cozy evenings and tastes much better than store-bought cocoa. Follow this simple recipe to make the ultimate dark hot chocolate at home!
Dark hot chocolate recipe
Imagine wrapping your hands around a warm mug filled with rich, dark chocolate hot chocolate, just the thing for those moments when you crave something comforting.
This easy-to-make drink brings together real dark chocolate and a touch of sweetness to create a perfectly cozy treat. It’s a must-try recipe that’s far perfect for Christmas or any cold winter morning.
Love chocolate? You should try our brownie balls, dark chocolate almond bark and dark chocolate crinkle cookies!
Recipe Highlights
Chocolatey: Made with real dark chocolate, this recipe offers a rich and deep chocolate flavor you won’t find in powdered mixes.
Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, so you can whip up a mug anytime you want a cozy treat.
You control the sweetness, making it a better option compared to traditional hot cocoa.
This dark hot chocolate recipe is simple, so you can adjust ingredients to make it your own.
Ingredients
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Milk
- Dark chocolate chips
* Need to print this recipe? Scroll down ⬇️ and you'll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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How to make hot chocolate with dark chocolate
Mix cocoa and sugar together and set aside. Pour ½ of the milk into a sauce pan, add vanilla extract and the cocoa powder mixture.
Heat the mixture over medium low heat as you continue to stir. Add the chocolate chips and continue to stir until fully melted.
Gradually pour the rest of the milk while you stir. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes before turning off the heat. Let it cool slightly then give it one more stir before serving.
Variations
Spiced Dark Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a touch of warmth and spice.
Peppermint Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: Stir in a drop of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Mexican Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate: Infuse with a bit of chili powder for a subtly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the richness of dark chocolate.
Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate – Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free dark chocolate to make a plant-based version.
Serving suggestions
A dollop of whipped cream or a handful of marshmallows adds sweetness and creaminess, balancing the rich chocolate flavor.
Grate a little extra dark chocolate on top for garnish and a burst of extra flavor.
Enjoy your hot chocolate with a cookie or biscotti on the side.
Helpful Tips
The quality of chocolate makes all the difference. I like to use Ghirardelli chocolate chips or bars.
Warm your milk gently on low to medium heat to prevent scorching. This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and keeps it creamy.
Whisk for Smoothness – Whisking as you add the chocolate helps create a smooth texture and keeps the ingredients from separating.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste – Start with a small amount of sugar or sweetener, then add more as needed; dark chocolate is naturally less sweet than milk chocolate
FAQs
Yes, but it will taste different. Dark chocolate provides a rich texture, while cocoa powder gives a lighter flavor. For best results, use dark chocolate.
Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but you can also use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Let it cool, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, whisking to restore smoothness.
More recipes like this one
- Peppermint hot chocolate
- Starbucks peppermint mocha copycat
- Egg nog without alcohol
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
If you’re ready for a cozy night in with a warm, comforting treat, give this dark chocolate hot chocolate a try. It’s easy to make, completely satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings.
Grab your ingredients and start creating this rich, indulgent drink that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don't forget to leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
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Dark chocolate hot chocolate
Equipment
- Sauce pan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and sugar.
- Pour 2 cups of milk into a saucepan, then add the vanilla, cocoa powder, and sugar mixture.
- Bring the milk mixture to a low boil
- by heating over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously
- Add the chocolate chips to the saucepan, stirring with a spatula until the chocolate melts completely.
- Gradually pour in the remaining milk while continuing to stir. Let the hot chocolate simmer for another couple minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Allow it to cool slightly, give it a final stir, and pour into cups.
- Serve with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate or caramel sauce, and a dash of cinnamon if desired.
