Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make Hot Chocolate Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hot Chocolate Base
Optional Garnishes & Add-ins
Method
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1
Measure and mix dry ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to break up lumps and create an even mixture.
- 2
Warm the milk and cream
Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat until small bubbles form around the edges and steam rises, about 4–6 minutes. Do not boil.
- 3
- 4
Melt the chocolate
Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate to the pan and whisk constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is glossy and homogeneous, about 2–3 minutes.
- 5
Finish and flavor
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and taste; if desired, add up to 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract for a minty variation or the ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a spiced version. Adjust sweetness with a teaspoon of sugar if needed.
- 6
Strain (optional)
For an ultra-smooth cup, pour the hot chocolate through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs to remove any residual bits of cocoa or chocolate.
Serve & Garnish
- 7
Divide the hot chocolate among 4 mugs (about 1 cup each).
- 8
Top each mug with whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, chocolate shavings, and a few mini marshmallows as desired.
- 9
Serve immediately while hot. If making ahead, keep warm on the lowest stove setting and stir occasionally; reheat gently to avoid scalding.