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.
Why two milks? 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.

Ultimate Hot Chocolate
Rich, creamy and delicious. Perfect for a cold day.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve in warmed mugs with whipped cream, marshmallows and other hot chocolate toppings.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

-
-
- Cinnamon Spice Hot Toddy by Books n’ Cooks
- Dirty Earl Grey Latte by The Baking Fairy
- Hot Ginger Coffee by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Oatmeal Cookie Latte by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Ultimate Hot Chocolate by Family Around the Table
-
Jan Thomas
Saturday 2nd of February 2019
I love a good hot chocolate recipe!!! Thanks for sharing a lovely treat for a Chocolate Lovers Link Pary at Celebrate 365 Blog Party!
Valentina | The Baking Fairy
Saturday 5th of January 2019
This sounds so rich and wonderful! How smart to use both milk and cream for an extra thick drink!
Cindy
Saturday 5th of January 2019
I love all kinds of hot chocolate. This sounds sooooo good!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks
Saturday 5th of January 2019
Such a lovely Christmas morning tradition! We love hot chocolate in this house, but usually make with low-fat milk. Will need to try your version one snowy day this winter.
Jolene
Friday 4th of January 2019
Woah. Need to save this one for cheat day ;) Looks amazing!