Easy Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

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Whip up a mug of rich and creamy hot chocolate with chocolate chips in minutes! This easy, delicious recipe has a way of leaving you wanting more.

I've always been a packet kind o' girl when it comes to hot chocolate. My favorite was always Swiss Miss… Until I started making my own hot chocolate mix.

white mug of hot chocolate with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows

But then I learned how to make hot chocolate with chocolate chips, and my favorite warm beverage was forever changed.

Let Me Tell You Why This Is My Favorite Way to Make It

  • It's quick and easy to make. I always thought making homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips would take more time and effort to make, but really it takes less than 15 minutes to make a warm mug of cocoa.
  • It only takes 3 ingredients, all of which you probably already have on hand.
  • It's so rich and creamy, almost decadent, especially when you compare it to packets of cocoa mix. Oh my gosh, it's just so good.
  • There are so many ways you can customize homemade hot chocolate. You can add the simplest of things to it to make it even more flavorful and fun.
hot chocolate with chocolate chips ingredients on white marble countertop

Ingredient Notes

  • Whole Milk – Now some like to use Half-&-Half. And that's perfectly ok; it'll make for an even creamier hot chocolate. I prefer whole milk because it's creamy but not too creamy for my taste.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips If you'd rather use milk chocolate chips, then by all means do so. To each his or her own. I prefer that dark, semi-sweet flavor to my cocoa. I also recommend using a good brand of chocolate chips; when you use good chocolate, it adds a thickness, as well as a rich chocolatey flavor.
  • Sea Salt Just a pinch of salt goes a long way.

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

Making this hot chocolate recipe with chocolate chips is super easy to do. Just follow these steps…

  1. Add the milk to a small saucepan over low to medium heat.
  2. When the milk has slightly warmed for about 2 to 3 minutes, add in the chocolate chips, whisking until melted.
  3. Add a pinch of salt, and stir that into the mixture.
  4. Warm the mixture, stirring constantly, until small bubbles start to form around the edge of the liquid on the sides of the pan; but don't let it boil, or it will very likely curdle.
steps for how to make hot chocolate with chocolate chips in small saucepan

When it's done, pour your hot chocolate into your favorite mug, and top with your favorite topping, whether it be marshmallows or whipped cream. Then serve with your favorite Christmas candy, like 4 ingredient buckeyes.

pouring homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips into white mug from saucepan

Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ's

Can I use water instead of milk?

For this recipe, I'd say probably not, because the chocolate alone is not going to give you the sweet, rich, creamy effect that milk will give. If by chance you follow a dairy-free diet, you can use a different type of milk like almond milk; and of course, you'd want to use dairy-free chocolate chips, as well.

Can I add milk to melting chocolate?

It's better to add the chocolate chips in with already warmed milk, so it melts like it should.

How should I store leftover hot chocolate?

Be sure to store it in an airtight container or pitcher in the fridge. It can be re-heated in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove (without allowing it to boil).

Fun and Flavorful Hot Chocolate Additions

Like I mentioned above, there are so many things you can add to homemade hot chocolate to make it ever more festive, fun, and flavorful. Here are a few ideas…

  • I love adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract, maybe 1/4 teaspoon of each. Both extracts really enhance the flavor of the chocolate chips.
  • Add a few drops of another extract, like peppermint extract or caramel extract.
  • You can sub white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, mint chocolate chips, etc. You could even do half chocolate, half another flavor.
  • Add cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a little kick to your beverage.
  • If you're into boozy drinks, add a splash of your favorite spirits.
  • Add a flavored creamer to your finished mug. My favorite is raspberry creamer to make raspberry hot chocolate. It's so good!
  • Add in a little bit of coffee or espresso.
  • Try a flavored syrup, like caramel or butterscotch syrup.
  • Give it a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.
  • Sprinkle a few pieces of peppermint candy, or my middle son's favorite… Drop in a candy cane. You can even take peppermint candies and crush them up, then sprinkle them over your marshmallows or whipped cream.
white mug of homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips on gray plate with spoon

More Festive Drink Recipes

homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips and marshmallows on a small gray saucer

Easy Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

Whip up a mug of rich and creamy hot chocolate with chocolate chips in minutes! Easy, delicious recipe that'll leave you wanting more.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 409kcal
Author: Mel Lockcuff

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the milk to a small saucepan over low to medium heat.
  • When the milk has slightly warmed for about 2 to 3 minutes, add in the chocolate chips, whisking until melted.
  • Add a pinch of salt, and stir that into the mixture.
  • Warm the mixture, stirring constantly, until small bubbles start to form around the edge of the liquid on the sides of the pan; but don't let it boil, or it will very likely curdle.
  • When it's done, pour your hot chocolate into your favorite mug, and top with your favorite topping, whether it be marshmallows or whipped cream.

Notes

*I recommend Nestle or Ghirardelli chocolate chips. You want a good brand of chocolate. I also prefer semi-sweet; but you can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
Can I use water instead of milk?
For this recipe, I'd say probably not, because the chocolate alone is not going to give you the sweet, rich, creamy effect that milk will give. If by chance you follow a dairy-free diet, you can use a different type of milk like almond milk; and of course, you'd want to use dairy-free chocolate chips, as well.
How should I store leftover hot chocolate?
Be sure to store it in an airtight container or pitcher in the fridge. It can be re-heated in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove (without allowing it to boil).

Nutrition

Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Calcium: 304mg | Iron: 3mg
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3 thoughts on “Easy Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips”

  1. 5 stars
    I didn’t have any mix with me at my grandson’s house so I tried this recipe. We all loved it. I may never go back to the packets! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  2. Thank you for sharing the hot chocolate recipe. I can’t wait to try some. I wonder if carnation could work for this. My regular milk seems to sour so quickly.

    Reply

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