Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa
This cozy hot chocolate is so comforting on a dreary day. It makes the kitchen smell wonderful and it's good for the soul.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup white sugar or to taste
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- ⅓ cup boiling water
- 3 ½ cups milk
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup half-and-half cream
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan; add boiling water and whisk until smooth. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring continuously to prevent scorching, and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in milk and heat until very hot without boiling.
- Remove from heat; add vanilla.
- Add cream to each mug to help cool cocoa to drinking temperature, then divide hot cocoa between 4 mugs.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Cook’s Note
Serve with a dusting of cocoa powder or fun toppings like crushed candy canes or colored mini marshmallows for the holidays.
Add a splash of Baileys or peppermint schnapps for an adult version.