Name: Homemade Hot Chocolate (with Chocolate Chips)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup milk ( (2% or more is preferable)); 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or finely chopped chocolate); 2 teaspoons sugar ((adjust the sugar to suit your taste preferences)); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); whipped cream, for serving; cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, for garnish; marshmallows, for serving

Make a deliciously creamy and rich mug of homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips at home! This recipe uses real chocolate (chips or even chopped chocolate) to make an easy but decadent drink that will please all chocolate lovers!

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There is no better way to warm up on a cold winter night than with a cup of warm, decadent hot chocolate! Snuggled under a blanket with a cup of this delicious treat is seriously one of the best things about the season!

I have always been a huge fan of hot chocolate. I mean, who isn’t a fan? Most of my experience with hot chocolate is with the powdery instant form. Add the powder to a cup, warm up some milk or water and voila! Instant hot chocolate. I wouldn’t turn down a cup of it ever, but once you have tried true hot chocolate, made with actual chocolate, it just doesn’t compare!

The best hot chocolate I ever had was with actual chocolate that was melted and heated with milk. It resulted in a luxuriously creamy and ultra chocolatey drink. So good!! It is also surprisingly easy to do too. It takes just 15 minutes to make (less if you use chocolate chips instead of chopping the chocolate)! Very little time and effort and you have something soooo much better than anything made with a powder (that includes packets or cocoa powder versions, in my opinion)!

Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (or both!) and you have the makings of a cozy evening!

Homemade Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips topped with whip cream and chocolate shavings

Why you should make homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips:

it is so quick and easy to make!
it uses ingredients you likely already have on hand
it can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes
there are no artificial ingredients or preservatives
it is more affordable than store-bought packets
real chocolate is much more decadent than cocoa powder

What you need to make homemade hot chocolate without cocoa powder

To make this homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips, you need just a few ingredients:

milk (2% or more is preferable)
semi-sweet chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
sugar (adjust the sugar to suit your taste preferences)
vanilla extract (optional)

I also like to add toppings to my hot chocolate but these are optional. My favourite toppings include: whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (can also use mini chocolate chips) and marshmallows!

How to make homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips

This simple recipe requires only a few super easy steps:

Heat the milk: Add the milk to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes (until it is beginning to warm and no longer cold).
Stir in the chocolate and sugar: Stir in the chopped chocolate and sugar and whisk continuously until the chocolate and sugar have dissolved and the hot chocolate is smooth and warmed through but not boiling.
Add the vanilla and serve! Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using. Ladle into your mug and serve!

That’s it! Easy right?

Mug of Homemade Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips with whipped cream

Cozy up with your hot cup of hot chocolate and enjoy every sip!

Stay warm and cozy!

-Cathy