• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
  • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

    Published: Dec 1, 2022 · Modified: Jan 20, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Best Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

    Jump to Recipe

    There is nothing cozier than a warm cup of hot chocolate when the weather outside is cold. For the best cup of hot chocolate made with chocolate chips, this recipe will hit the spot. A steaming mug of this chocolatey rich beverage will keep you warm & cozy all winter.

    There is something about a good homemade hot chocolate recipe compared to a packet you buy in the store and add water or milk to. If you ask me, there is just no competition. Make this easy homemade hot chocolate with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips and you will never buy a powdered mix again.

    Best Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips two glasses filled with homemade stovetop hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows.

    This recipe is fantastic during the holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and for New Year's Eve. It is wonderful any time of year but especially when the weather is cool and crisp in Fall or winter.

    I was inspired to learn to make hot chocolate on the stovetop when I made my Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists. I wanted something to pair with it and to dunk them into. The combination is fantastic.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Toppings for Homemade Hot Chocolate
    • Keep Hot Chocolate Warm
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage & Reheating
    • Dunkable Treats for Hot Chocolate
    • FAQ
    • Best Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

    Ingredients

    Here is all you need to make hot chocolate with chocolate chips. This recipe calls for only 4 ingredients and is made without cocoa powder. You probably have everything already in your pantry and refrigerator.

    For deep flavor, this hot chocolate recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate. I use Ghiradelli semi-sweet chips. It is one of the best melting chocolates for a smooth & delicious flavor.

    This is a thick, rich, & decadent hot chocolate. So it calls for whole milk and cream. Do not use low-fat or fat-free milk or it will be thin, runny, & taste watered-down.

    Best Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips Ingredients on a table.
    • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
    • Heavy Cream
    • Whole Milk
    • Vanilla Extract

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    It only takes 10 minutes to make this yummy homemade hot chocolate recipe. In a few steps, you warm up the liquid dairy ingredients on the stove. Then slowly melt the chocolate chips with a bit of vanilla. And that is all it takes - soooo easy!

    Here is how you make this easy 4-ingredient hot chocolate recipe. Begin by adding the whole milk and the heavy whipping cream to a medium-sized saucepan.

    Cream warming in a pot on the stove.

    Over medium-low heat warm the liquids for 3-4 minutes. You want it to be hot but not boiling.

    Chocolate being stirred into warm cream.

    Add the chocolate chips & vanilla. Stir and continue to heat over medium-low.

    Once the chocolate has melted it is time to bring all the ingredients together. Whisk to combine over medium-low heat.

    When all the chocolate is melted, continue to heat over medium-low heat. When it is hot and the first few bubbles rise up in the pot, it is ready. Do not let it boil or the chocolate will seize up.

    Whisking the ingredients as they cook.

    Pour or ladle into mugs. Top with mini marshmallows. ENJOY!

    Hint: For the easiest way to serve this hot chocolate, use a ladle. Ladle it into your favorite cozy mug. Make sure you only fill it ¾ of the way up so you have room for marshmallows or whipped cream on top!

    Toppings for Homemade Hot Chocolate

    Who can pass up sprinkling some mini marshmallows on top of your hot chocolate? They float on top and melt into a sweet sticky taste like clouds from sugar heaven. But there are some other fun ideas on how to top hot chocolate made with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

    All of these are the best ideas to make hot chocolate even better.

    • Colored Marshmallows - pastel ones are so fun for Easter.
    • Whipped Cream - A squirt seems to make me feel like a kid again.
    • Sprinkles - Add a dash of your favorite sprinkles on top of fresh whipped cream. Chocolate jimmies or rainbow sprinkles are so fun.
    • Colored Sugar - Dust on some red & green sugar sprinkles to the whipped cream for a Christmas-colored hot chocolate.
    • Flavored Syrups & Sauces - Drizzle in caramel or butterscotch sauce into the cup or on top of the whipped cream or marshmallows.
    • Crushed Candy Canes - Sprinkle on peppermint candy pieces.
    • Chocolate or other Chips - yep, add some mini chocolate, peanut butter, or white chocolate chips on top of some whipped cream.
    Best Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips Overhead of two glasses of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

    Keep Hot Chocolate Warm

    This recipe is great for parties and holiday gatherings. You can make a large batch and keep it warm for hours. It will last throughout your party or event.

    To keep homemade hot chocolate warm, leave it on the stove on your lowest setting. Stir or whisk it every 5-10 minutes.

    You can also transfer the hot chocolate to your Crock Pot. Turn your slow cooker to warm. It will keep this beverage warm and ready to serve for hours.

    Substitutions & Variations

    This quick recipe is only 4 ingredients. Its simplicity is one of the best things about this homemade hot chocolate. Here are a few substitutions and variations to this basic recipe that you can make and enjoy.

    • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - instead of semi-sweet, use milk or dark chocolate chips if one of those is your favorite.
    • Heavy Cream- use all Whole Milk instead of cream plus milk. It will cut down on the fat content but will up the carbs. Do not use low-fat, fat-free, etc or the hot chocolate will be thin.

    This recipe is already gluten-free, vegetarian, nut-free, & grain-free. I have not tried to make it with vegan ingredients or sugar-free chocolate chips. If you wish to try that, please know I am not sure what results from the changes you will get.

    Here are some fun ideas on how to change this recipe for holidays. Also, a few ideas to take this hot chocolate to the next level. I even like a pinch of salt in my mug before adding the hot chocolate - wow!

    • Spiced - add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cayenne pepper to the mixture.
    • Peppermint Mocha- use peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract for a peppermint hot chocolate perfect for Christmas.
    • Adults-Only- add a shot of your favorite alcohol to your individual mug; Bailey's, Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, Butterscotch Schnapps, Rumchata, brandy, bourbon, whiskey, & rum are some of the best.
    Two glass cups filled with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

    Equipment

    No special equipment is needed to make this homemade hot chocolate recipe. However, here are some items to bring your chocolate sipping to the next level. These mugs, toppings, & more are the best products for the hot chocolate fan in all of us.

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    Storage & Reheating

    Leftover hot chocolate stores well in the refrigerator. Place any leftovers in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    To reheat hot chocolate, pour it into a small saucepan. Over medium-low heat bring it slowly to the desired temperature. Do not bring it to a boil as that alters the chocolate and the consistency.

    Dunkable Treats for Hot Chocolate

    For something fun, sweet, & tasty, these dunkable desserts are great to serve with this homemade hot chocolate. It is great to serve with hot chocolate for breakfast with a slice of Cinnamon Roll Pie. Or pour a cup and stir with a candy cane for a Christmas treat.

    These recipe ideas are great for holidays, cozy nights around the fire, warming up after a day in the snow, or any time you want hot chocolate & dessert. Or grab your favorite rolled wafer, churro, or store-bought cookie for dunking.

    • Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists
    • Snickerdoodle Cookies
    • Small Batch of Peanut Butter Cookies
    Best Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips in a glass topped wtih whipped cream and served wtih a cinnamon twist puff pastry.

    FAQ

    Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?

    If you love making cookies with chocolate chunks, that may be all you have laying around. Semi-sweet chocolate chunks can be used as a substitute for chips in this recipe. It may take a bit longer to melt but it will be just fine.

    Can I use oat milk or coconut milk to make this non-dairy?

    I have not tried making this with a milk substitute. If you wish to try a dairy-free & vegan hot chocolate recipe, try making Oat Milk Hot Chocolate.

    Two glass mugs filled with hot chocolate made from chocolate chips.

    Best Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

    Angela
    The best hot chocolate made by melting chocolate chips is this easy recipe. The decadent and rich hot beverage is a winter favorite. It is quick & simple to make on the stove in minutes. Grab some marshmallows or whipped cream for the perfect cup of homemade hot chocolate. Great for holidays & camping.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups whole milk
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla

    Instructions
     

    • To a medium-sized saucepan add the milk & cream.
    • Over medium-low heat warm the liquids for 3-4 minutes. You want it to be hot but not boiling.
    • Add the chocolate chips & vanilla. Whisk to combine over medium-low heat.
    • Once all the chocolate is melted, continue to heat over medium-low heat. Once it is hot and the first few bubbles rise up in the pot, it is ready. Do not let it boil or the chocolate will seize up.
    • To keep warm, leave it on the stove on low. Stir every few minutes.
    • Pour into mugs and top with mini marshmallows. ENJOY!
    Keyword 4-ingredient
    « Best Tortilla Presses for Thin Tortillas
    How Long to Cook a 12-Pound Turkey »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that hopes you find something new & tasty to love while you are here.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Slow Cooker Corned Beef featured close up
      Slow Cooker Corned Beef
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    • Teriyaki chicken on a stick stacked on a plate with dipping sauce
      Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick
    • Homemade Snickers Bars featured 5 stack
      Homemade Snickers Bars
    • Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup overhead
      Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup
    • Overhead of cast iron skillet with creamy coconut chicken thighs ready to top with cilantro, green onion, and hot sauce.
      Creamy Coconut Chicken 
    • A bun topped with 3-ingredient sloppy joe meat and cheese.
      3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free)
    • Best Ever Mango Ice Cream featured two bowls close mango bottom corner
      Best Ever Mango Ice Cream (with Ice Cream Maker)

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    #ad The Short Order Cook LLC is an affiliate of ButcherBox. I have been a customer for years and cannot recommend it enough. Great prices & even better meat! Sign up today.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2023 The Short Order Cook LLC All recipes, photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share a photo ONLY with an accompanied do-follow link back to this site. Publishing any items as if they were your own is prohibited.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT