Hot Chocolate Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide To Make the Ultimate Christmas Treat At Home

Nothing screams Christmas louder than a big bowl of hot chocolate. The ultimate winter delight combines the warmth of hot milk with the festive cheer brought by the sweet chocolate mix. The classic festive beverage makes for the perfect companion to cosy evenings, movie marathons, damily get-togethers and especially on Christmas Eve.

While an indulgent cup of hot chocolate is just a cafe away or an order away these days, nothing beats the rich flavour of homemade hot chocolate prepared with real ingredients. This way you would not have to step foot in the chilly weather. This step-by-step guide will help you make café-style hot chocolate at home, for the quintessential Christmas celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 cups full-cream milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1½ to 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla essence
• A pinch of salt
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping (optional)
  
   

Also Read: 5 Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drinks To Try: Hot Chocolate To Mocktails

Steps to make hot chocolate at home

Prepare the milk 
Pour the milk into a thick-bottomed pan and heat it on a low flame. Do not let it boil; the milk should be hot but not bubbling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching at the bottom.

Prepare the cocoa base
In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar and a pinch of salt with a few tablespoons of warm milk. Whisk well until smooth and lump-free. This step ensures a silky texture in your hot chocolate.

 

Combine and cook 
Add the cocoa mixture to the heated milk and stir continuously. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Keep the flame low to retain the creaminess.

Add the chocolate generously 
Now add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until it melts completely. This gives the drink its signature thick and luxurious consistency. Cook for another minute while stirring.

Top it off with flavour 
Turn off the heat and add vanilla essence. Mix well and taste to adjust the sweetness if needed.

Garnish and serve 
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate shavings. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.

A pro tip: 
Use good-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate with at least 50–60% cocoa for the best flavour. For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk.

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