Recipe

Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate

Silky, chocolate-forward hot cocoa made with real chocolate, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt for that “wait, why is this so good?” moment. Ready in 10 minutes, no packet behavior required.

By Matt Campbell

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4.9

A steaming mug of rich hot chocolate topped with softly whipped cream on a wooden kitchen counter

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If your idea of hot chocolate is a packet dumped into lukewarm milk, I am lovingly here to upgrade your life. This rich and creamy hot chocolate is what happens when you treat cocoa like it deserves respect: real chocolate for body, cocoa powder for depth, a little cornstarch for that cozy, spoon-coating thickness, and a pinch of salt to make the whole thing taste louder.

It is quick enough for a Tuesday night, but it feels like you booked a cabin with a fireplace and a dramatic backstory. Also, yes, you can absolutely make it dairy-free and still get that velvety finish. We contain multitudes.

Milk and chopped chocolate in a small saucepan on a stovetop, just starting to melt

Why It Works

Two forms of chocolate (cocoa powder + chopped chocolate) means bold flavor and a smooth, full-bodied texture.
Cornstarch helps you get that thicker, cafe-like feel at home without needing heavy cream. Optional, but highly recommended if you want a plush sip.
Salt + vanilla boost and round out the chocolate flavor. This is not witchcraft. It is seasoning.
Low and slow heat prevents scorching and keeps the drink silky instead of grainy.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, you are either very responsible or you got interrupted mid-mug. Either way, here is how to keep it perfect.

Fridge

Cool and refrigerate promptly (within 2 hours), then store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
It will thicken as it chills. That is a feature, not a bug.

Reheat

Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking often, and add a splash of milk to loosen.
Microwave works too: heat in 30 second bursts, whisking between rounds.

Freezing

Not ideal because the texture can get a little weird after thawing. If you do freeze it, whisk like you mean it while reheating.

Common Questions

Can I make this without cornstarch?

Yes. Skip it and you will get a classic, rich hot chocolate that is more sippable and less spoon-coating. If you still want thickness, simmer it gently an extra 1 to 2 minutes and use a bit more chocolate.

What chocolate is best?

Use a bar you would happily snack on. Bittersweet (60 to 70%) gives a grown-up, deep chocolate vibe. Semisweet is sweeter and more classic. Milk chocolate works, but it will taste lighter and sweeter, so reduce the sugar (start with 0 to 1 tablespoon and adjust).

Why add espresso powder?

At this small amount, it shouldn’t make it taste like coffee. It makes it taste like more chocolate. Optional, but if you have it, use it.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use unsweetened oat milk (best for creaminess) or soy milk. Choose dairy-free chocolate. Keep the cornstarch in for extra body.

Can I scale this for a crowd?

Absolutely. Double or triple everything and use a bigger pot. Keep the heat low and whisk often. Once it is hot, you can hold it on the lowest heat setting for about 20 to 30 minutes, whisking occasionally.

Help, it got grainy. What happened?

Usually it is too high heat or not enough whisking. Take it off the heat, whisk vigorously, and if needed, blend carefully with an immersion blender. Then go low and gentle from there.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Small saucepan (2 to 3 quart)
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board (for chopping chocolate)
Mugs

I started making hot chocolate like this after one too many “Why does this taste like vaguely chocolate bathwater?” moments. One night I raided my baking stash, chopped up a chocolate bar, and decided to treat cocoa powder like it was a sauce base instead of a suggestion. Five minutes later, I was standing over the stove sipping straight from the whisk like a polite kitchen gremlin. Now it is my default winter drink and my year-round cure for a day that needs a soft landing.