Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best milk for making hot chocolate? ›

The best type of milk for making hot chocolate is whole milk. This is because the higher fat content in whole milk creates a creamier and richer hot chocolate. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, almond milk or oat milk can also work well as they add a subtle nutty or oaty flavor to the hot chocolate.

(A solute is anything the solvent dissolves.) In hot chocolate, the hot water or milk acts as the solvent to dissolve the cocoa powder, the solute.

Additionally, there's an appeal to using water for its potential to create a truer hot chocolate experience. Milk, with its white base, can dilute the brown color of the hot chocolate. In contrast, water's clear base allows the cocoa to appear much darker.

She also recommends Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker as another solid option for natural—the 100% Unsweetened Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder—and mentioned the King Arthur Baking Company.

Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk over a medium heat. Be sure not to boil it. If you're using a thermometer, aim for 65-70°C. Add the Chocolate: Once the milk is warm, start adding the chopped chocolate a bit at a time, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the milk.

Loss says kitchen air produces an “evaporative cooling” effect as water is freed from the drink's surface and into the atmosphere. Since they're filled with air, the marshmallows could insulate the hot chocolate by slowing down this cooling.

How much water are you using? It might be worth checking how much water a packet is designed to be used with and whether you're adding too much. How much milk did you try adding? I find that even a small amount (a teaspoon or two) can make it noticeably creamier without too much effect on the taste.

How do you make powdered hot chocolate thicker? ›

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens. Double Cream: Stirring in a splash of double cream can instantly enrich and thicken your drink, giving it a velvety texture.

If the hot chocolate doesn't thicken, add a slurry of cornstarch and milk (dissolve ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold milk) to the hot chocolate and continue stirring over medium high heat until slightly thickened.

The secret ingredient commonly used in gourmet hot chocolate is often high-quality, finely ground chocolate. This can be in the form of cocoa powder or finely chopped chocolate, adding a rich and intense flavor to the drink.