Dark, Rich Hot Chocolate – 4 Ways!

Warm up on a cold day with my dark, rich hot chocolate recipe!

This rich and creamy hot chocolate is easy to make, and once you master the basic hot chocolate recipe, you can try one of the fun variations: toasted marshmallow, salted caramel, mocha, and candy cane!

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It has been absolutely freezing here lately, and another storm is rolling in tomorrow. Winter is definitely in the air.

Not surprisingly, all of this trudging around in the snow has me craving a big mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate. Is there any drink more comforting in cold weather than hot cocoa? I don’t think so!

I’ve been working on my dark, rich hot chocolate recipe for a while now. I prefer my hot chocolate rich and chocolatey, but not too sweet (although it’s easy to add more sugar, of course!). And as far as I’m concerned, this is the best homemade hot chocolate recipe!

My basic hot cocoa recipe is perfectly delicious plain or topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. I can never resist experimenting with other flavors though, so I came up with four more for you to try!

Each of these variations start with my basic dark, rich hot chocolate recipe and has a special touch to make it unique. I think you’ll like all 4 variations on this classic hot chocolate recipe, but I’d love to know your favorite!

How to Make Dark, Rich Hot Chocolate

Skip the packets, because my rich and creamy hot chocolate recipe is so simple to prepare on the stovetop. Once you learn how to make hot chocolate at home, you’ll never go back to the pre-packaged stuff!

This homemade hot chocolate recipe serves three … or two if you use big mugs (or don’t want to share). It’s easy to double or triple this recipe though to serve a crowd.

You start by combining whole milk with unsweetened cocoa powder and a little sugar in a small saucepan. Whisk everything together (it takes a little patience to blend in the cocoa, so don’t give up) as you heat it over medium heat.

I don’t like my hot chocolate too sweet. If you prefer yours a little sweeter though, simply add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar.

When your cocoa is hot, divide it among three regular-size mugs (or two large mugs). Serve your homemade hot cocoa plain, or top it with whipped cream or marshmallows. So simple, right?

Once you’ve mastered this rich hot chocolate recipe, make sure to try one of my four variations! ***All of the recipes with measurements are at the end of the post.***

Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate

I love this fun variation on classic hot chocolate topped with marshmallows! The toasted marshmallows add a slightly smoky flavor and are super delicious.

For this twist on the classic, you’ll simply top my basic hot chocolate recipe with toasted marshmallows (try these marshmallows if you are vegetarian or vegan).

You can toast the marshmallows over a gas stove, under a broiler, or over a fire. Be careful not to burn yourself, obviously!

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Chocolate and mint are natural companions, especially at the holidays. And if you’re feeling naughty, you can replace the mint extract with a shot of peppermint schnaps … chin chin!

This fun twist on my dark, rich hot chocolate recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover candy canes. You’ll crush the tops and use the straight parts for stir sticks.

Start by preparing my basic hot chocolate recipe, adding a little extra sugar and mint extract for lots of minty flavor.

Once your cocoa is hot, top it with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces. Garnish with the candy cane stir sticks you made or use these Candy Cane Spoons (I’m kind of obsessed with them … so cute!).

Tip: If you want to add schnaps, skip the extract. Then, stir a shot of peppermint schnaps into the hot cocoa before adding your toppings.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

This is salted caramel hot chocolate is my absolute favorite variation! I love the combination of sweet and salty flavors.

Start by preparing my basic hot chocolate recipe. Then, top your mugs of cocoa with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Drizzle  with caramel sauce (I like to add a lot!) and finish with a sprinkle of coarse salt (I love Maldon Sea Salt).

Enjoy!

Mocha Hot Chocolate

Coffee brings out a richness in this hot chocolate recipe. Treat yourself to a cup in the morning for a fun, chocolatey caffeine kick.

For this variation, you’ll add a little instant espresso powder to my basic hot chocolate.

To serve, dollop on some whipped cream and shave dark chocolate (I used Lindt Extra Dark) over the top. So good!

Let me know if you try this dark, rich hot chocolate recipe and which of the flavor variations is your fave!

Print

Dark, Rich Hot Chocolate

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

Learn how to make this dark, rich hot chocolate recipe, then have fun trying different flavors. It's the perfect way to warm up on a cold day!

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 3 people

Calories: 198 kcal

Ingredients

Dark, Rich Hot Chocolate (Basic Recipe)

• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or more to taste)
• whipped cream or marshmallows, optional

Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate

• basic hot chocolate recipe
• 6 large marshmallows

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

• basic hot chocolate recipe
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
• 3 candy canes
• whipped cream

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

• basic hot chocolate recipe
• caramel sauce
• coarse salt
• whipped cream

Mocha Hot Chocolate

• basic hot chocolate recipe
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• dark chocolate
• whipped cream

Instructions

For Dark, Rich Hot Chocolate (Basic Recipe):

1. Pour milk into a small saucepan. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until combined.

2. Heat over medium heat until hot, continuing to whisk. Do not boil.

3. Divide among 3 mugs. Serve plain or topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
   

   

For Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate:

1. Skewer marshmallows with a chopstick or other skewer. Cook over a gas stove burner, under a broiler, or over a fire until toasted, watching carefully to ensure the marshmallows does not burn. Set aside.

2. Prepare the basic hot chocolate recipe, as directed above.

3. Divide cocoa among mugs and top with toasted marshmallows.
   

For Candy Cane Hot Chocolate:

1. Break tops off of the candy canes and crush with a rolling pin or bottle into small pieces. Reserve the straight “stick” part of the canes to be used as stir sticks.

2. Prepare the basic hot chocolate recipe, as directed above, adding an additional tablespoon of sugar and the mint extract to the milk.

3. Divide cocoa among mugs and top with a generous portion of whipped cream.
   

4. Sprinkle with crushed candy and add candy cane stir stick.
   

For Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate:

1. Prepare the basic hot chocolate recipe, as directed above.

2. Divide cocoa among mugs and top with a generous portion of whipped cream.
   
3. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with salt.
   

For Mocha Hot Chocolate:

1. Prepare the basic hot chocolate recipe, as directed above, adding the espresso powder to the milk.

2. Divide cocoa among mugs and top with a generous portion of whipped cream.
   

3. Shave dark chocolate over cocoa (a vegetable peeler or box grater works great for this).

   

More Ideas for Flavoring this Rich, Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe

Now that you know how to make this hot chocolate with cocoa powder, have fun coming up with your own flavors!

Personally, I love adding a little cinnamon and cayenne for a yummy Mexican Hot Chocolate.

If you loved this recipe, I’ve got plenty of other hot drinks for you to try, too! Here are a few of my faves:

• Sweet Cinnamon Milk Tea
• Easy Chai Tea Mix … add it to tea or use it to make a Dirty Chai Latte.
• Spicy Pumpkin Steamer
• Cinnamon Brown Sugar Coffee Syrup … the perfect morning treat!

What is your favorite way to drink hot cocoa?

P.S. Isn’t my mug cute? I get lots of questions about it! I bought it years ago from Starbucks, and I kind of live in fear it will break … ha ha. This Cable Knit Coffee Mug is similar.