Hot Cocoa Recipe

Combine dry ingredients

In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. This helps the cocoa dissolve more easily in milk.

Warm the milk

Pour 2 cups of whole milk into a small saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk is steaming and small bubbles form around the edge (do not boil). This should take about 4–6 minutes.

Add cocoa mixture

Whisk the cocoa-sugar-salt mixture into the warm milk, whisking vigorously to dissolve lumps. Continue to heat for 1–2 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture is smooth and hot but not boiling.

Melt chocolate & finish

Add the 1 oz semisweet chocolate (chopped or in chips) to the saucepan and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, adding an extra 1/2 tbsp sugar if you prefer it sweeter.

Serve

Pour the hot cocoa into two mugs (about 1 cup each).

Top each mug with 1 tbsp whipped cream and 1 tbsp mini marshmallows if using. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or 1 tsp chocolate shavings over the top for garnish.