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Rich, creamy homemade hot chocolate made with real chocolate chips! A quick and easy homemade recipe that’s perfect for chilly days and cozy nights.

Looking to make homemade hot chocolate using chocolate chips? Look no further. Use this simple, delicious recipe to make a comforting classic hot chocolate this winter.

Winter is here, and nothing is better on a cold night than a rich, creamy mug of steaming hot chocolate.

This year, you can ditch the hot cocoa packs filled with that chalky powder.

I am sharing how to make the best homemade hot chocolate from scratch, and it is surprisingly simple.

Anyone can stir cocoa powder into warm milk and call it a day, but this recipe will put a smile on your face bigger than the Grinch’s when he got the idea to steal Christmas.

Imagine hot, simmering milk combined with melted milk chocolate, a splash of maple syrup for sweetness, and a dash of cocoa powder, all topped with fresh, homemade whipped cream.

The combination is rich, creamy, and highly satisfying. Continue through this post for a complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients

Simple is always best.

This recipe only calls for four ingredients. In my opinion, simple homemade hot chocolate should be just that………. SIMPLE. 

Milk: When it comes to milk, your options are unlimited. You could even use a non-dairy option, such as unsweetened almond milk. 

Chocolate: The must-have ingredient for making hot chocolate! I prefer chocolate chips because they melt easily into warm milk, making the mixture extra rich and creamy.

Cocoa Powder: Adds the distinct “hot cocoa” taste. The cocoa powder should not be omitted, it is the perfect pair with the chocolate chips.  

Sweetener: I prefer a natural one, but you can add your choice. Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, sugar, or coconut sugar would each work well in this recipe.

What’s the Difference between Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?

Simply put, Hot Chocolate is the graduate level of Hot Cocoa.

Hot Cocoa is the product of whisking cocoa powder and warm milk together.

The thing that transforms hot cocoa into hot chocolate is the addition of real melted chocolate.

Whether your chocolate preference is a bitter dark or sweet milk chocolate, the outcome really doesn’t change. The melted chocolate gives your drink the smooth velvety texture that cocoa powder would not achieve on its own.  

How to make Simple Homemade Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

Pour the milk of your choice into a saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a light boil.

Tip: Carefully observe the milk, as the contents may boil over.

Remove the saucepan from the heat once the milk begins to boil.

Whisk cocoa powder into the same saucepan as the milk.

Add chocolate chips and maple syrup into warm milk and continue stirring until the chocolate has dissolved.

Serve by pouring Hot Chocolate into your favorite mug or create a serving station with toppings such as fresh whipped cream, peppermint chips, and marshmallows.

Tip: If you are serving this hot chocolate to multiple guests, keep it nice and warm in a crockpot on low.

Easily transform this hot chocolate into a festive holiday treat. Crushed candy cane, Oreo cookies, and holiday-colored sprinkles will do the trick.