Easy Chocolate Coffee Recipe – Quick Homemade Hot Chocolate

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Chocolate Coffee Recipe – Quick Homemade Hot Chocolate

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes you just need a cozy drink, right? Especially on those rainy days, or when you’re curled up with a good book. This easy chocolate coffee is my go-to for a quick pick-me-up. It’s basically a hug in a mug, and honestly, it takes less than 10 minutes to make! I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was craving something warm and comforting, and it’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hot chocolate coffee is seriously the best of both worlds. You get the rich, comforting flavour of hot chocolate and a little caffeine kick from the coffee. It’s super simple, uses just a handful of ingredients you probably already have, and is totally customizable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover chocolate chips!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful drink:

• 1 cup milk (about 240ml)
• 1 tsp coffee powder (around 5-6 grams)
• 1 tsp sugar (about 4-5 grams)
• 1 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips (around 10-12 grams)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because little tweaks can make a big difference!

Milk Options & Regional Variations

I usually use full-fat milk for the creamiest result, but you can absolutely use whatever milk you prefer. Almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk all work beautifully! In some parts of India, people like to add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to their milk for a warming flavour – feel free to try that!

Coffee Types & Strength Adjustments

I prefer using instant coffee for convenience, but you can definitely use espresso powder or finely ground coffee beans. If you’re using espresso powder, start with ½ tsp and adjust to your liking. For ground beans, you might want to strain the drink after it’s made. Adjust the amount of coffee to suit your caffeine needs – I sometimes add a little extra when I really need a boost!

Chocolate Chip Choices – Dark, Milk, or White?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Dark chocolate chips will give you a more intense, slightly bitter flavour. Milk chocolate will be sweeter and creamier. And white chocolate? Well, that’s just pure indulgence!

Sugar Alternatives

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can easily substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia, erythritol, or honey. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, grab a saucepan. Pour in the milk, coffee, and sugar.
2. Now, add those glorious chocolate chips!
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, making sure the chocolate doesn’t stick to the bottom.
4. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to froth and the chocolate is completely melted. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
5. Once everything is nicely combined, pour your delicious hot chocolate coffee into a mug.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Froth

For extra frothy goodness, you can use a whisk while heating the milk. Or, if you have a milk frother, even better! A little froth just makes it feel extra special, don’t you think?

Preventing Chocolate from Scorching

Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. Scorched chocolate is not a good time. Trust me!

Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

Taste as you go! Everyone has a different sweet tooth. Add more sugar if you like it sweeter, or less if you prefer a more subtle flavour.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Hot Chocolate Coffee

Simply swap the dairy milk for your favourite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat milk all work wonderfully.

Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Coffee

Use your preferred sugar substitute, like stevia or erythritol.

Spiced Hot Chocolate Coffee (Cardamom, Cinnamon)

My dadi (grandmother) always added a pinch of cardamom to her hot milk, and it’s amazing in this too! Add ¼ tsp of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.

Iced Chocolate Coffee – A Summer Treat

Let the hot chocolate coffee cool completely, then pour it over ice. It’s the perfect summer refresher!

Serving Suggestions

This hot chocolate coffee is amazing on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• A plate of homemade biscuits or cookies.
• A slice of cake.
• A good book and a cozy blanket!

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed fresh. But if you do have leftovers (unlikely, I know!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to reheat it gently and give it a good stir.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Is this recipe suitable for children?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure the drink isn’t too hot before serving it to little ones. You can also reduce the amount of coffee or omit it altogether.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the milk and coffee mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add the chocolate chips and heat it up when you’re ready to enjoy.

What kind of coffee works best in this recipe?

Instant coffee is the most convenient, but espresso powder or finely ground coffee beans will also work.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can! Use about 1-2 teaspoons of cocoa powder and add a little extra sugar to compensate for the lack of sweetness.

How can I make this a richer, more decadent drink?

Add a splash of cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top! You could also use a higher quality chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.