Hot Chocolate Recipe – Homemade & Zero Waste – Waste free culture (2024)

Winters are great for snow, holiday lights, cosy fires, warm socks and what else… Hot chocolate!!! It’s just perfect to read a book or binge-watch our favourite series on Netflix accompanied by the hot chocolate on those winter evenings! Don’t you agree? And today I’m going to share the perfect hot chocolate recipe for those perfect evenings. If you have hot chocolate on a regular basis irrespective of the climate, you can go for the hot chocolate mix. It’ll be quite easy for you to make them when they are in the powdered form. Not only that, but the hot chocolate mix is also an ideal gift for your loved ones for Christmas or any winter celebrations. So, I’m going to share how to make the hot chocolate recipe from the scratch as well as the hot chocolate mix. I’ve also included a few variations of the hot chocolate recipe.

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Table of Contents

Hot Chocolate Recipe:

How do you make hot chocolate from scratch?

Here are the ingredients to make a perfect zero waste hot chocolate for your winter cravings.

Ingredients:

  • Whole milk/ full fat milk – 1 cup
  • Cocoa powder – 1 tablespoon (unsweetened)
  • Sugar – 1 tablespoon (powdered)
  • Dark or Milk Chocolate – a few pieces
  • Vanilla extract – 1 tablespoon
  • Marshmallows – As required (optional)
  • Whipped cream – As required (optional)

Instructions:

  • Take the milk in a saucepan and start heating it in the medium flame.
  • Add the cocoa powder and sugar to it and start mixing till you find no lumps.
  • Once the milk started to heat up, add the pieces of chocolate as of your choice.
  • Stir them till they are completely melted.
  • Add the vanilla extract to it and stir it well.
  • Now serve the hot chocolate by adding marshmallows or whipped cream or sprinkle some grated chocolate on the top.

Note: Here we’re using milk instead of water to get a creamy hot chocolate. You can alter the recipe as you wish. If you need a rich flavour, add more cocoa powder, or you can avoid the dark chocolate if you find the hot chocolate is quite strong. Just play with it. But try to add everything little in the beginning and then alter the recipe after tasting it. You don’t want to waste your hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate recipe with chocolate chips:

All you’ve to do is to replace the chocolate chunks with the chocolate chips in the above recipe. But if you need a rich flavour you can add both chocolate chunks and chocolate chips.

Healthy homemadehot chocolate mix:

Ingredients:

  • Cocoa powder – 1/2 cup (unsweetened)
  • Coconut sugar – 1 cup (powdered)
  • Milk powder – 1 cup
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Vanilla powder – 1 tablespoon (optional)

Instructions:

  • Mix all the above mentioned ingredients well and store it in an airtight container. Don’t worry, it won’t be spoiled. Since we’ve added milk powder you no need to add milk.
  • Just add from 3 to 4 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix in the boiled water. And give it a good stir and serve hot.
  • But I prefer milk than water because it makes the hot chocolate more creamy and delicious!
  • If you couldn’t find vanilla powder, you can always add a few drops of the vanilla extract while making the hot chocolate with water.

Storage:

Store in the airtight container in a dry cool place and it won’t be spoiled.

Homemadehot chocolate mixwithout powdered milk:

This hot chocolate mix without powdered milk recipe is similar to the above one! Just ignore the milk powder in the above recipe. You can store this in the airtight container. But make sure to add this mix only in milk to get the required taste.

Instructions:

  • All you’ve to do is heat the milk and add the hot chocolate mix in it.
  • Stir it well until the mix completely diluted in milk. Make sure not to boil it.
  • Serve hot with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Hot Chocolate Recipe – Homemade & Zero Waste – Waste free culture (1)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can you add to the hot chocolate mix?

As I mentioned above, you can add marshmallows and whipped cream. To enhance the flavour you can sprinkle the cinnamon powder.

Can you use chocolate powder instead of cocoa?

No, you must use cocoa because the chocolate powder contains other ingredients as well. So try to use the cocoa powder to get the flavour of the authentic hot chocolate.

Is hot chocolate mix better with milk or water?

It’s absolutely best to have hot chocolate with milk. But if you had included the milk powder in the hot chocolate mix you can go with water.Hot Chocolate Recipe – Homemade & Zero Waste – Waste free culture (2)

Is Hot Chocolate Mix bad for you?

Yes, the store-bought ones are bad for you as it contains artificial flavours and dextrose which are not good for your health.

But if the hot chocolate is homemade it is good to go. Also, if you’re using dark chocolate in the hot chocolate recipe, awesome! The dark chocolate is great for your heart health. But make sure to eat less often (even homemade) as they are high in calories.

What to do with the leftover hot chocolate?

Couldn’t complete your hot chocolate in one sitting? No worries, refrigerate it once it reaches to the room temperature. Then reheat it and have it whenever you like. It’ll be good from 2 to 4 days.Hot Chocolate Recipe – Homemade & Zero Waste – Waste free culture (3)

Why do marshmallows melt in hot chocolate?

Like every substance, marshmallow has its melting point. So, in order to avoid that, you can do the following

  • Use large marshmallows to avoid the melting quickly.
  • Only add the marshmallows when you’re about to have your hot chocolate. That way you can prevent the marshmallows from melting in the cup.

How can I make hot chocolate mix better?

As I mentioned above, you can add marshmallows and whipped cream. You can also add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the chocolate mix. If you’d like to add nut butter (after adding the hot chocolate mix to the milk), go for it.Hot Chocolate Recipe – Homemade & Zero Waste – Waste free culture (4)

What do you sprinkle on hot chocolate?

  • Chocolate chips
  • Peanuts
  • Grated chocolate
  • Coconut shavings

There are more options. Why don’t you give me the suggestions in the comments?

You may also read:

Chocolate chip cookies recipe – Vegan | No Oven

Zero waste Christmas – A sustainability guide

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Hot Chocolate Recipe – Homemade & Zero Waste – Waste free culture (2024)

FAQs

What can you put in hot chocolate instead of marshmallows? ›

Sweet add-ins include marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel, flavored spreads, and maple syrup. To transform cocoa into a co*cktail, add flavored liqueurs or traditional spirits. Other unique ways to liven up hot chocolate include adding coffee, spices, and extracts.

What alcohol to put in hot chocolate? ›

Adding a splash of alcohol like rum, brandy, or whisky can transform your hot chocolate into a truly indulgent and sophisticated drink. So go on, delve into the delicious world of spiked hot chocolate, experiment with your favourite flavours, and enjoy every sip of your carefully crafted, indulgent beverage.

Can I use cocoa powder for hot chocolate? ›

All you need to make hot chocolate at home is cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water. This combination is my absolute favorite, but I'll give you a few substitutions you can use to make this with what you have in your pantry right now!

What is a good substitute for marshmallows? ›

Sweet And Sticky Alternatives To Marshmallows

Honey and maple syrup are some of the more common choices, as they're less processed, but other syrups will work fine.

What is a good milk substitute for hot chocolate? ›

Dairy-Free Options
  • Rice Milk. Works best with: Tea. Hot Chocolate.
  • Soya Milk. Works best with: Tea (Unsweetened) Coffee (Sweetened)
  • Almond Milk. Works best with: Tea (Sweetened) Hot Chocolate (Unsweetened)
  • Coconut Milk. Works best with: Hot Chocolate. Coffee.

How to doctor up hot chocolate? ›

Other Ways to Upgrade Your Hot Chocolate:
  1. caramel.
  2. a scoop of ice cream.
  3. cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla extract.
  4. orange zest.
  5. a tablespoon of fresh-brewed espresso or coffee.
  6. peppermint stick.
  7. dark, milk, or white chocolate shavings.
  8. coconut or almond milk (use in place of regular milk)
Dec 1, 2015

How do you thicken homemade hot chocolate? ›

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.

Does adding milk to hot chocolate make it better? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

What is it called when you put hot chocolate in coffee? ›

Caffè mocha, in its most basic formulation, can also be referred to as hot chocolate with (e.g., a shot of) espresso added. Like cappuccino, caffè mochas typically contain the distinctive milk froth on top; as is common with hot chocolate, they are sometimes served with whipped cream instead.

What is rum and chocolate milk called? ›

4 cl Brandy (or rum, optional) 12 cl Chocolate milk, chilled.

What do baristas use to make hot chocolate? ›

I work as a barista on the side, and our shops use sauces for hot chocolates and mochas. Most use Monin dark chocolate sauce, which we lightly dilute with hot water before topping off with steamed milk.

Is cocoa or cacao better for hot chocolate? ›

Warming chocolate drinks are undoubtedly one of winter's greatest pleasures, but if you're drinking a highly processed hot chocolate, you simply aren't reaping the same health benefits as you could be with cacao. Not only is cacao more satisfying and fulfilling, it's also far better for you and the planet!

What's the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa mix? ›

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

Why are marshmallows used in hot chocolate? ›

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 to doctor up hot chocolate mix? ›

Ideas to Customize:
  1. 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1-2 drops pure peppermint extract.
  2. 1 shot whiskey, dark rum, or peppermint schnapps.
  3. Pinch kosher salt highly recommended for all flavor combinations.
  4. Pinch espresso powder will enhance the chocolate flavor.

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