Why is hot chocolate so good?
It’s finally that time again! Big comfy sweaters, fireside books,and crisp breezes outside. And yes, oh yes, big steamy mugs of hot chocolate!! I don’t know about you, but nothing is more satisfying on a cold day than a big mug of creamy, chocolatey goodness covered in whipped cream. This recipe for Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate will have you whipping up a batch whenever need a treat on a cold winter day or night! And the best part? It’s only 4 simple ingredients I bet you already have at home! So pull out your pot and wooden spoon and enjoy!
I have tried a lot of hot chocolate recipes.
Like, a lot.
From recipes using powdered milk to recipes using turmeric, I always end up going back to my mom’s Best Hot Chocolate recipe. The kids love it, and it is so quick and easy.
No, it is not instant powder, but getting back-to-basics often requires a slightly different method than just adding hot water. However, I promise you, this recipe can be whipped up in 8 minutes! That’s a whole lot quicker (and cheaper) than going to your local coffee shop, and you will love the result. Hot chocolate just like Grandma used to make 🙂
What makes Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate recipe so amazing?!
This hot chocolate is our family go-to recipe because it is so simple and satisfying! It is just like my Grandma used to make, and my mom made for me when I was a little girl.
It is rich, creamy, and so easy to make.
There are only 4 simple ingredients: Milk, cocoa, sugar, and a pinch of salt! Oh, a splash of water, if that counts 🙂
No chemical additives or unpronounceable ingredients in this hot chocolate. After making it, you will find it hard to buy those powders on the store shelves that are full of…well…a whole lot more ingredients than most people can understand!
You control the sugar. It’s well-known that coffee shop hot chocolate is jammed with sugar – as much or more than a can of soda. And powdered mix is also packed with sugars, including corn syrup and other varieties. This traditional Hot Chocolate allows you to control how sweet you like your drink. You are in control, for you and your kids 🙂 How sweet is that?!
Of course, I have added in a slew of variations for you to try, and the possibilities are endless once you’ve got the base recipe down pat!
What do I need to make hot chocolate?
To make Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate, you will need:
Whole milk (also known as homogenized, or 3.25% milk). Of course you may use other types of milk, but this is what our family loves, and it makes the hot chocolate rich and creamy.
Cocoa powder. I really love this Organic Cocoa Powder, but you can use whatever cocoa powder you happen to like. I do think the quality of the cocoa powder helps determine the deliciousness of the hot chocolate, so look for a variety that makes you happy!
Sugar. I tend to use simple white granulated sugar or raw sugar. But you could use any sweetener you like. I have made hot chocolate with maple syrup before, and thought it was also delicious! The great thing about making your own Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate is that you can adjust the sugar to your taste preference!
Salt. As with most deserts, a pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the hot chocolate, and helps enhance the flavour of the cocoa. If you love the taste of salted caramel, for example, you know a hint of salt can compliment a dessert or sweet beverage really well.
How to make Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate
In a pot, stir together sugar and cocoa
On medium heat, stir in water until well-combined. Bring to a simmer.
Slowly add milk, stirring constantly to avoid scalding the milk! Heat until desired temperature is reached.
Add a pinch of salt and flavouring, if desired.
Pour into mug. Drink as is, or top with your favourite toppings 🙂
Some Hints & Variations for Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate:
- Stay with your hot chocolate! Because it is made with milk, it can burn easily! Stay with your pot on the stove, stirring constantly, until the hot chocolate is the temperature you like. Don’t worry, it only takes a couple minutes 🙂
- Make it frothy! If you love frothy hot chocolate, consider buying a milk frother! They are fairly inexpensive, and are like a little, battery-powered whisk that foams up your hot chocolate for you. But be careful not to splash the milk out of your pan when frothing 🙂 Trust me on this one.
- Add toppings! Whipped cream! Marshmallows! Salted caramel sauce! Peppermint candy pieces! Cocoa Powder!! Anything your heart desires, just let your imagination run wild!
- Consider flavour variations. Adding a few drops of a flavoured extract can give your Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate a new twist. In our house, we love a hint of vanilla extract. You could also add a drop of peppermint extract, or orange extract for a peppermint or chocolate orange hot chocolate. We also love salted caramel hot chocolate, which is made by adding salted caramel sauce to the cocoa and water instead of the sugar.
- Cool it down for the kids. If you’ve made the hot chocolate too hot for your kids, simply fill a mug with some of the hot chocolate, and add in some more cold milk to cool it off 🙂 Simple!
Grandma’s Best Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 5 tbsp raw or granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- pinch sea salt
- 4 mugs whole (3.25%) milk approx. 4 cups depending on size of mug
Optional Ingredients
- ⅛ tsp peppermint, or orange extract
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- whipped cream, for topping
- marshmallows, for topping
- chopped peppermint candy, for topping
- cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, stir together cocoa powder and sugar.
- Slowly stir in water, until the cocoa and sugar have become fully blended and liquid.
- Over medium heat, stir until liquid begins to simmer. Don't stop stirring or you risk burning the sugar!
- Slowly stir in 4 mugs of milk (approximately 4 cups). Use whichever mugs you are serving your hot chocolate in to make an accurate amount of hot chocolate.
- Add 1 pinch of salt.
- Stirring constantly, cook until hot chocolate is desired temperature for drinking.
- If desired, add in 1 flavour option now (vanilla, peppermint, or orange extract). Taste and adjust sugar and flavourings to your liking.
- Ladle into mugs and top with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
How do you like your hot chocolate? Mini marshmallows? Whipped cream? Plain and Simple? Let me know in the comments below!
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