Warm Up This Winter with Four Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes

From spicy to sweet, this ultimate list of hot chocolate recipes will satisfy all your taste buds.

Hot chocolate is like that comforting friend who always makes your day better. Regardless of how cold and dreary winter becomes, a cup of hot chocolate brings warmth to your soul. This delightful, chocolatey treat is a favorite for many and even a go-to indulgence for fitness enthusiasts on cheat days. A rich cup of hot chocolate transcends being just a drink—it’s a beautiful experience. This winter, indulge in the goodness of hot chocolate and let its warmth envelop you. Here are some mouth-watering recipes for you to enjoy.

Hot chocolate varies across cultures, each version bringing a unique twist to the table. Try them all this winter season.

Homemade Hot Chocolate
Recipe by Natasha Kravchuk

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (about 4 tablespoons) of chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cocoa powder.
2. Add milk and chocolate, using chocolate chips, chunks, or shavings for a rich flavor.
3. Heat over medium, whisking continuously.
4. Serve hot in a cup.

French Hot Chocolate
Recipe by Erin Clarke

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder
• 225 grams or 1 cup of chopped bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
• Whipped cream for topping

Method:

1. Combine milk, cream, espresso powder, and powdered sugar in a saucepan. Heat until bubbles form, but do not let it boil.
2. Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate, and stir until melted. Briefly return to low heat if needed to fully melt the chocolate.
3. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream. Enjoy with a croissant.

Mexican Hot Chocolate
Recipe by Vuyelo Ndlovu

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk (500 ml)
• 2 cinnamon sticks (Mexican cinnamon for a sweeter taste), plus extra for serving
• 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Method:

1. Heat milk and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking every 5 minutes until fragrant. Do not boil.
2. Remove cinnamon sticks, add cocoa powder, vanilla, chili powder, and sugar. Whisk off the heat until smooth and frothy.
3. Serve with a cinnamon stick.

Spanish Hot Chocolate
Recipe by Lauren Aloise

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup dark chocolate (170 grams)
• ⅔ teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons white sugar (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method:

1. Finely chop the chocolate.
2. In a saucepan, dissolve cornstarch in milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Add sugar if desired, whisk until dissolved.
4. Heat over medium, stirring until it boils. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in chopped chocolate until melted. If cooled too much, briefly reheat.
6. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
7. Serve immediately, ideally with churros.