Ultimate Hot Chocolate

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This Ultimate Hot Chocolate has become a Christmas morning tradition in our house. It’s rich and creamy and made with two kinds of chocolate.

Also contributing to the richness is the combination of whole milk and heavy cream.

Ingredients for Ultimate Hot Chocolate

This is truly the best hot chocolate recipe you will ever make. While I make this hot chocolate throughout the winter, it is our Christmas morning tradition.

• Whole Milk – While you can substitute 2% it’s so much better with whole milk.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Again, go for the good stuff. Don’t use half and half.
• Sugar – The recipe calls for granulated sugar.
• Cocoa Powder – I like to sift the cocoa powder before making this homemade hot chocolate. 
• Milk Chocolate Chips – You could substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – For best results use only pure vanilla extract. No imitation.

Pro Tip: Sifting the cocoa powder eliminates the lumps which will be more difficult to whisk out once you add liquid.

Can you use all milk in Ultimate Hot Chocolate?

Why two kinds of milk? For richness, of course. You could substitute 2% milk but anything else and it won’t be as rich.

Why milk chocolate chips? It’s my family’s preference. I have used semi-sweet and they work well too. If you only have semi-sweet, use them, it will still be delicious.

But my ultimate hot chocolate isn’t just for Christmas. It’s perfect anytime you need to warm up on a cold day. If you have leftover, you can certainly store it covered, in the fridge and warm it up again. While you can warm it in the microwave, I always prefer to do so on the stovetop. I have to say, though, we’ve never had any leftover.

Find more yummy hot chocolate recipes

• Cherry Marshmallow Cordial Hot Chocolate – Cherry and chocolate are perfect in this hot chocolate.
• Winter White Hot Chocolate – A delicious white chocolate version of the classic drink.
• How to Make Hot Chocolate Special – Special touches to make serving this winter beverage fun and delicious.

Ultimate Hot Chocolate

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Rich, creamy and delicious. Perfect for a cold day.

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Ingredients

• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, combine whole milk, whipping cream, sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk constantly until cocoa powder is combined and sugar is melted. Add chocolate chips and stir until melted. 
2. Heat thoroughly, then reduce heat to low to keep warm. Don't ever let the mixture come to a boil. Stir occasionally so it doesn't burn.
3. Serve in warmed mugs with whipped cream, marshmallows and other hot chocolate toppings.

Recommended Products

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• 
  Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

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