How To Make Hot Chocolate Without Cocoa Powder

How to make the best hot chocolate without cocoa powder. Using chocolate chips is the way to go for a rich, decadent cup of cocoa that is creamy and smooth.

There is nothing quite so cozy as drinking a mug of hot chocolate with the kids after they’ve come in from playing in the snow. Its such a fun little tradition that we all look forward to.

And its one of those things that is so simple to throw together in a matter of minutes! Just warm up some milk, add your chocolate and there you go. Come and get it!

Have you tried making healthy homemade marshmallows?

Ran out of cocoa packets? No problem! There are so many ways to make cocoa from scratch. You can make a batch of homemade cocoa mix to keep in the pantry. Or for a really decadent and rich cup of hot chocolate, you have to try making it with chocolate chips!

Its literally the easiest hot cocoa recipe ever. Just milk and chocolate chips!

Why you’ll like this recipe

delicious

If the only kind of cocoa you’ve had was made with a mix from the store, then you are in for a treat! Hot chocolate made with chocolate chips is so much more rich and creamy!

The melted chocolate gives this cocoa a really nice thicker consistency. Using a full fat milk makes it perfectly creamy too.

easy to make

Its literally two steps: heat the milk and add the chocolate chips. Done!

Did you know you can make your own chocolate milk without chocolate syrup too?

only 2 simple ingredients

All you need is milk and chocolate. That’s it! Of course you can add vanilla and a pinch of salt for an even more delicious cocoa, but you don’t have to.

can be enjoyed many ways

There are so many ways to customize your cocoa to your taste. From the toppings you choose to optional flavors you mix in. The possibilities are endless!

What you need to Make Hot Chocolate without cocoa powder

ingredients

chocolate chips – you can use any type of chocolate chips you want. If you want a sweeter cup of cocoa, use milk chocolate. Semi sweet will give you a more balanced sweetness and dark chocolate chips are great for a less sweet cocoa.

Using a good quality chocolate bar works too! Just use 8 ounces in place of the chocolate chips the recipe calls for.

milk – you can use any kind of milk you like too! Skim, 2%, whole, half and half, heavy cream, almond milk, oat milk…you name it! I like to use whole milk because its a good balance between healthy and fatty.

optional add ins:

vanilla extract – adding vanilla extract to the cocoa after its finished cooking really brings this recipe to the next level. Just add a teaspoon to the pot after you remove it from the heat.

peppermint extract – instead of vanilla, you could use a couple drops of peppermint extract for a minty cup of cocoa.

sea salt – salt might sound like a funny thing to add to a sweet drink like this. But I find that adding just a pinch of salt actually brings out the sweetness in the chocolate and adds an extra depth of flavor to the cocoa.

espresso powder – add in a teaspoon of espresso powder to give the chocolate an extra deep flavor.

how to make Hot Chocolate Without Cocoa Powder

Melt the Chocolate – In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of milk/cream. Stir constantly to keep it from burning.

Add The Milk – Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and warmed through. It should be steaming but not boiling.

Remove From Heat – If you want to add vanilla and salt, stir those in after you take the saucepan off the heat.

tips for success

To Serve – This recipe is best enjoyed right away when its nice and hot. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows or sprinkles.

To Store – Let the cocoa cool to room temperature and store in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat

Variations – Any kind of chocolate chips will work for this recipe. Using milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, lighter flavor. Semi sweet or dark chocolate will have more of a mild sweetness and a deeper chocolate flavor.

Substitutions – In place of whole milk, you can use any nut milk, coconut milk, heavy cream or half and half.

Next you need to try pumpkin spice hot chocolate!

FAQ about Making Hot Chocolate Without Cocoa Powder

how do you make hot chocolate with milk if you don’t have cocoa powder?

If you don’t have any cocoa powder, you can still make hot chocolate by melting chocolate chips or a chopped up chocolate bar into a saucepan of steaming milk.

can you make dairy free hot chocolate?

You can definitely make hot chocolate that is dairy free by using a dairy-free milk such as almond or coconut milk and check to make sure the chocolate chips you are using for this recipe say “dairy free” on the package.

is this recipe gluten free?

It sure is! Since its made with just milk and chocolate chips, there isn’t any gluten in it at all!

what toppings can you use for hot chocolate?

The options are almost unlimited!

• marshmallows ( like these homemade honey marshmallows)
• mini chocolate chips
• toffee bits
• m&ms
• chocolate syrup
• whipped cream (homemade whipped cream is the best)
• caramel sauce
• ground cinnamon
• crushed peppermint sticks
• sprinkles
• sea salt…

More Holiday Desserts from scratch On The Blog:

If you liked this homemade hot chocolate recipe, I think you’ll really enjoy these other Christmas desserts on the blog!

• Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider
• Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Without Milk Powder
• Honey Whipped Cream
• Strawberry Whipped Cream
• Peppermint Marshmallow Recipe

I hope you love this recipe for hot chocolate without cocoa powder! If you make it, I’d love for you to come back and leave a comment and rating so that I know how you like it!

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