I have a wonderful recipe to share with you. This post is all about how to make the most amazing hot cocoa!
It starts with a good recipes and fun toppings. Ever since I was a child my mother made homemade hot cocoa. Some people call it hot chocolate and others call it hot cocoa.
So what is the actual difference between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?
Hot Cocoa is made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It tends to be sweet and consistency lighter when using cocoa powder. Hot Chocolate on the other hand is made with melted chocolate added to hot milk. It has a tendency to be richer and denser. Instead of cocoa powder, you would use melted chocolate with hot milk. It’s a personal preference. I have made both over the years.
This recipe I have perfected over the years. It is creamy, rich in flavor and delightful. It’s not too sweet.
This jar does not contain instant hot chocolate mix. It holds my homemade hot cocoa mix ready to go minus the wet ingredients (milk, cream and good pure vanilla extract).
I love creating a Hot Cocoa /Hot Chocolate Bar every year during the holiday. My grandchildren love all of the options available for their toppings. Each year I try to change it up adding new stuff. You can read about my Hot Cocoa Bar from last year here.
This year I have Peppermint Bark from Heritage Chocolates at local store to us in Leonardtown Square. They make the most amazing candies. I also have some homemade marshmallow squares purchased in Leesburg, VA over the weekend.
My favorite are either a candy cane or Nonpareils in my Hot Cocoa and always marshmallows and topped with whipped cream.
There is nothing like a great cup of amazing hot cocoa on a chilly day. It just warms you up!
How amazing does this mug of hot cocoa look?
Believe me when I tell you that this mug is full of deliciousness!
How To Make The Most Amazing Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened Hershey Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 cup White Granulated Sugar
- 3 1/2 cups Milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Option Substitute for Half-and-Half
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract Use a good vanilla extract not imitation.
- 2-3 dashes Ground Cinnamon
- A pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional – does not make it spicy, it enhances the chocolate)
Toppings
- 1 Can Whip Cream
- Marshmallows
- Peppermint Candy Canes or Sticks
- Nonpariels, Cookies, Shaved Chocolate, Peppermint Bark, Sprinkles, etc.
Instructions
- Combine coca powder, sugar, milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
- Cook over med to low heat and simmer to bring to a slow boil. You will need to stir constantly so you do not scorch your milk.
- Makes 4 large mugs of Hot Cocoa. Top with Whip Cream and your favorite toppings.
WHERE TO GET THE GOODS!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. The opinions here are all my own. It helps me to continue to bring to you DIY and projects on my blog.
CHECKOUT SOME OF MY Holiday RECIPES & Projects
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Apple Crisp Easy Recipe
- White Lilac Farmhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Three Beautiful & Simple DIY Mini Christmas Trees
- Snowman Wood Sign for Christmas
- Farmhouse Christmas Décor
- Christmas Decorations Ideas
- Easy Handmade Holiday Ornaments
Thank you, friend for stopping by the blog today. I hope you found some good inspiration on today’s post. Please follow me on Facebook at White Lilac Farmhouse, on Instagram @whitelilacfarmhouse, on LKT at white_lilac_farmhouse, Pinterest, YouTube and Twitter.
Have a wonderful day, friend!
Renae says
This is awesome. I’m doing a hot cocoa bar soon. My mom always made her own cocoa mix. I loved it.
Tammy says
It’s so yummy! I don’t know who loves the hot cocoa bar more me or the grandchildren. LOL
Amy says
I love this recipe and that super adorable Santa mug!!!
Tammy says
Thank you so much, Amy. You will have to let me know if you like the recipe.
Juliet says
As a self-professed connoisseur and daily drinker of hot cocoa, I’m all about this post! Hot chocolate … with real, meltel chocolate! Oh my … how decadently wonderful. I love your hot chocolate bar and I really should do this at our house. Earlier this year our littles moved to another state, so I’d be the one doing all the cocoa consuming. Obviously, we can’t have that! I’m pinning and printing your hot cocoa recipe to give it a try. Love those mugs … so much nostalgia. Happy Thanksgiving, friend! xo
Tammy says
I know you are a hot cocoa connoisseur! I love watching you pour your cocoa in the mornings. It motivates me to go make some for myself.
Tammy says
Yes, I would say you truly are the hot chocolate/cocoa expert. I love watching your videos.
Kim+Waldorf says
My mother always used hot cocoa and milk. Definitely takes me back! Your Santa mugs and cocoa bar are so cute and I know your grands will love it!
Tammy says
A couple of years ago, my sister-in-law loved my Santa mugs so much she got some for her grandchildren. She gave it to them to take home. I wish my mug from my childhood did not get broken. My mother brought them out every year for us to use during the holiday. We drank hot cocoa or cider out of them while decorating the Christmas tree and on Christmas Eve. Such great childhood memories.
Tammy says
Well, I love that cute green hat Santa mug you found. It’s so darn cute!
Leslie Watkins says
This sounds heavenly! I love a good homemade mix better anytime…and whipped cream and milk added are a must! Can’t wait to try your recipe. Happy Thanksgiving, sweet friend!
Tammy says
Thank you, Leslie. It’s so good on a good day.
Cindy Rust says
Adding the spice sounds so interesting! I will have to give this a try. Confession: my hot chocolate is usually microwaved milk with a couple of scoops of Ovaltine 😂
Tammy says
Hey, I have my quick go to recipes in a pinch too. Then I splurge on the other.
Rosemary Palmer says
Sounds delicious – and I love your Santa mugs. I need to get some of your suggestions.
Tammy says
Thank you so much, Rosemary. I need more homemade marshmallows. We ran out of the weekend. So yummy in the hot cocoa.