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Home » Non-Alcoholic

The Perfect Hot Chocolate

Dec 28, 2015 · Modified: Feb 26, 2023 by Lauren Pacek · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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This is the perfect hot chocolate. There, I said it.

It is rich, creamy, and delicious, and will put you in a cozy, wintry state of mind.

Perfect Hot Chocolate | A Nerd Cooks

First day back at work after the holiday? Yeah, I feel that pain. May I suggest clinging to the holiday season with some decadent hot chocolate?

Perfect Hot Chocolate | A Nerd Cooks

Even though a good portion of the country has been unseasonably warm lately, it's finally in the 30s in Western Pennsylvania (where our families live). In addition to avoiding the return to reality, this little bit of chilly weather is as good an excuse as any for enjoying this easy, perfect hot chocolate.

I'd highly recommend that you snuggle up under some blankets with a cuddly dog or two and sip away on this hot chocolate!

You should also check out these Hot Chocolate No Bake Cookies while you're at it.

✨ Recipe

Perfect Hot Chocolate | A Nerd Cooks

The Perfect Hot Chocolate

Lauren Pacek
This is the perfect hot chocolate. There, I said it. It is rich, creamy, and delicious, and will put you in a cozy, wintry state of mind.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Non-Alcoholic
Cuisine American
Servings 2 large mugs
Calories 824 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the hot chocolate

  • 3 cups milk of choice see notes
  • 2-3 oz. dark chocolate roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Optional toppings

  • whipped cream
  • mini marshmallows
  • cinnamon stick

Instructions
 

  • In a medium sauce pan, heat the milk over medium heat until bubbles just begin to appear around the edges.
  • Add the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk occasionally until everything is melted and combined.
  • Add the cup of mini marshmallows and whisk until they melt into the hot cocoa.
  • Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, more marshmallows, and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Notes

Notes:
  • I've used 2% and almond milk. Both worked very well.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 824kcalCarbohydrates: 110gProtein: 19gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 310mgFiber: 7gSugar: 70g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Keyword hot chocolate
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Perfect Hot Chocolate | A Nerd Cooks
Perfect Hot Chocolate | A Nerd Cooks

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Comments

  1. Hayley

    December 05, 2016 at 1:19 am

    In love with the beautiful photos of the hot chocolate and the bowl of what I think are ornaments in the background 🙂 They make me want to go drink some hot chocolate RIGHT NOW!

    Reply
  2. Shirley Whitesides

    December 05, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! These chocolate is looking beautiful. My kids love chocolate very much. So I want to try this hot chocolate recipe for my kids! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • laurenpacek

      December 05, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Thank you, Shirley! I hope your kids love it as much as I do =)

      Reply
  3. Shirley Whitesides

    December 05, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! These chocolate is looking beautiful. My kids love chocolate very much. So I want to try this hot chocolate recipe for my kids! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm the recipe developer, photographer, and writer here at A Nerd Cooks. I'm a 30-something wife, mom, and scientist with a passion for mixing cocktails, brewing buzzy coffee drinks, and making other delicious beverages at home.

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