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This delicious Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe is so easy to make! Get the secret that makes this Homemade Hot Chocolate so rich and creamy!

Originally published December 2015, updated with video and tips December 2019.
If there’s one thing I loved as a child, it was hot chocolate. Little did I know at the time that I wasn’t experiencing good hot chocolate. My mom was always conscience of our sugar intake and having hot chocolate was a special treat. I didn’t think twice when she’d open a packet, pour half in a cup of hot water, stir and serve.
As I’ve grown, so have my tastes and that half pack of watered down mix just isn’t enough. If you’re going to do something, do it right, right? This creamy homemade hot chocolate recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make and is so dreamy! And hey, it’s another way to squeeze in a little calcium.
Love hot chocolate and want a more grown up version? Don’t miss my delicious spiked hot chocolate – it’s got a delicious taste of peppermint schnapps! I’ve also got an easy recipe for the Best Hot Chocolate Mix that is awesome for gifting, and even the most incredible Hot Chocolate Bombs, Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Bombs and Peppermint Hot chocolate Bombs.
It’s so incredibly quick and easy to make, yet better than any hot cocoa I’ve had at chain coffee shops! It’s so creamy and decadent, it’s the perfect treat on a cold winter day! The condensed milk really takes this drink to a whole other level – I can’t wait for you to try it!
Table of Contents
Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- Chocolate Chips – or chocolate melting wafers. I like to use milk chocolate or semi-sweet, but you can use dark chocolate or white chocolate as well.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – The secret ingredient that makes this cocoa so creamy!
- Milk – Whatever milk you have on hand.
- Vanilla – completely optional, but a hint of vanilla adds a touch of flavor and makes it irresistible
We frequently make this in fall and winter because it’s so quick and easy and so good! This recipe makes enough for 5 large drinks and it’s easily halved (or doubled). You can simply use the slider on the printable recipe card!
How to Make Hot Chocolate
- Melt the chocolate.
- Add sweetened condensed milk to make it extra creamy.
- Whisk in milk and enjoy!
Toppings
I love this drink exactly how it is, but if you want to make it more festive or fun for the kids, you can add a variety of toppings;
- marshmallows
- whipped cream
- sprinkles
- candy canes
Variations
- Snowball Fight – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Add Liqueur – Peppermint Schnapps or Marshmallow Vodka are favorites

If you try this homemade hot chocolate recipe, please come back to share using my 5 star rating in the comments below! Hungry for more? Get my BEST Baking Secrets delivered directly to your inbox and connect on instagram facebook and pinterest!
More Drink Recipes
- Spiked Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
- Pink Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Bombs
- White Hot Chocolate Bombs
- Snowball Recipe | Amaretto Liqueur and Ice Cream Cocktail
- Bourbon Smash Cocktail | Whiskey Winter Smash Recipe
- Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail | Incredible Cookie Flavored Dessert Cocktail
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!

Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, melt chocolate. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
- Whisk in vanilla and serve.
Tips
Substitutions
- Chocolate – You can use your favorite chocolate chips. I like to use semi-sweet, but milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips also work well.
Toppings
- marshmallows
- whipped cream
- sprinkles
- candy canes
Variations
- Snowball Fight – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Add Liqueur – Peppermint Schnapps or Marshmallow Vodka are favorites
Video
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Anna says
Didn’t need to buy anything special. Had everything I needed already in my kitchen and the creaminess blew my mind!
Julie Blanner says
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! I hope you try more of my easy recipes!
Laurie Rasor says
Have A Good Day
Colleen wiliams says
Thanks Julie, sometimes melting chocolate goes bad. For me? Do I have to worry about chocolate seizing? Don’t add condenced milk until it’s melted?
Julie says
You do not, when the chocolate melts add the condensed milk – it’s so good!
Cheryl says
This is great news. Would you be willing to share the increased recipe as well?
Julie says
Just double, triple or quadruple it. Enjoy!
Cheryl says
This sounds simple and easy. I am doing a cocoa bar at our church and was wondering if this recipe can be made if it’s increased to feed a bigger crowd. Have you ever tried to increase it and does it still taste good?
Julie says
Absolutely! I’ve made larger batches and it’s just as good, just keep it warm in a crock pot or large pot. Enjoy!