During the first 101 Days of Christmas series, I shared Alton Brown’s hot cocoa mix recipe, which is perfect for packaging in gifts, but last year we were on the hunt for a homemade hot chocolate recipe that we could pull together easily on the stove from basic ingredients. After testing a few, we finally settled on this one.
It’s rich and creamy, perfect for snow days or to sip while you’re decorating your tree, and I love to add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to mine for a little spiciness!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine cocoa powder, sugar, salt and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
Add milk and cream and continue heating over medium-low until hot.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Makes 4 servings.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or (my favorite) cayenne pepper for a little spice.
- Use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
- Top with whipped cream.
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