The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Ever!

It’s handy to have the instant hot chocolate sachets, but unfortunately these often contain hydrogenated oils, preservatives, and corn syrup solids. And there’s nothing like a cup of homemade hot cocoa made with real cocoa powder.  Just another reason to love the cold months!

And even though there are many variations on the classic, such as  Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Mocha Coffee …..YUMMM, the classic will always be #1 !

This recipe is super-easy to prepare and you only need a handful of ingredients to make 4 cups of happiness, namely 80ml hot water, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup sugar, pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 4 cups milk. Should you wish to make a healthier version, you can do so, without compromising on taste. Just swap the sugar for ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup, or ½ cup coconut sugar, and swop out the dairy for a nut milk option, should you prefer.

Let’s whip this together!

• Combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil while stirring, until smooth
• Add the milk and continue to stir over medium heat, until the desired temperature, do not boil.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla (this is added after the heating process, as heat causes the vanilla to evaporate, and you would lose the taste).
• Pour into mugs.

Toppings are a fun and delicious bonus for hot cocoa, so feel free to try any one (or more!) of the following:
whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, chopped peppermint, or peppermint sticks, for stirring. Lining your mug with Nutella is also super-decadently delicious!

It’s so simple to make, it’s rich, creamy and comforting. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!