Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Hot Chocolate Recipe – Creamy Cocoa & Vanilla Delight

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything quite as comforting as a warm mug of hot chocolate on a chilly evening? I remember making this for the first time during a particularly cozy winter, and it instantly became a family favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and just… perfect. Today, I’m sharing my go-to hot chocolate recipe with you – it’s super easy and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average hot chocolate. We’re taking things up a notch with a touch of malai (cream) for extra richness and a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. It’s the kind of hot chocolate that feels like a hug in a mug. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes – perfect for those moments when you need a little comfort, fast.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy hot chocolate:

• 2 cup milk (approx. 475ml)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (approx. 30g)
• 2 tbsp sugar (approx. 25g)
• 2 tbsp cream / malai (approx. 30ml)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (approx. 5ml)
• 1 cup chilled whipping cream / heavy cream (approx. 240ml)
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (approx. 20g)
• Cocoa powder, for sprinkling

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference in the final result.

Milk: Types & Regional Variations

You can use any kind of milk you like! Full-fat milk will give you the richest, creamiest hot chocolate, but semi-skimmed or even plant-based milks (like almond or oat milk) work beautifully too. In India, we often use full-fat milk – it’s just naturally richer and lends itself well to desserts.

Cocoa Powder: Dutch-Processed vs. Natural

This is a good one to know! Dutch-processed cocoa powder has a smoother, milder flavor, while natural cocoa powder is a bit more acidic and has a bolder chocolate taste. Either will work, but I personally prefer Dutch-processed for this recipe.

Cream / Malai: The Secret to Richness

Malai is the creamy layer that forms on top of boiled milk – it’s a staple in Indian cooking and adds incredible richness. If you can’t find malai, just use regular heavy cream. Trust me, this little addition makes all the difference!

Vanilla Extract: Quality & Substitutions

Good quality vanilla extract really elevates the flavor. If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use a pinch of cardamom powder – it’s a lovely Indian-inspired twist!

Whipping Cream / Heavy Cream: Achieving Stiff Peaks

Make sure your whipping cream is really chilled before you start beating it. This helps it whip up quickly and hold its shape. You want stiff peaks – that means when you lift the beaters, the cream forms peaks that stand up straight.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff!

1. In a saucepan, pour in the 2 cups of milk and heat it over medium heat. Don’t let it boil, just get it nice and warm.
2. Add the 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cream (malai). Now, whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to make sure everything is completely smooth and there are no lumps.
3. Keep stirring as the mixture heats up. Bring it to a gentle boil, but keep an eye on it and stir constantly to prevent it from sticking or forming lumps.
4. Once it’s gently boiling, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Now for the whipped cream! In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of chilled whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you get those beautiful stiff peaks.
6. Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
7. Finally, sprinkle a little cocoa powder on top for a pretty finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t rush the whisking! Taking the time to whisk the cocoa powder into the milk properly is key to avoiding lumps.
• Low and slow is the way to go. Heating the milk gently prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
• Warm your mugs! Pouring hot chocolate into a cold mug will cool it down quickly. Warm the mugs with hot water before pouring for a longer-lasting warmth.

Variations

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

Vegan Hot Chocolate

Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work well) and use a vegan whipping cream alternative.

Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate

Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to sweeten the hot chocolate.

Spice Level: Adding a Pinch of Cinnamon or Chili

My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of chili powder to her hot chocolate for a little kick! A dash of cinnamon is also lovely.

Festival Adaptations: Christmas & Winter Solstice Hot Chocolate

During Christmas, my family loves adding a candy cane to each mug for a festive touch. For the Winter Solstice, a sprinkle of nutmeg feels particularly warming.

Serving Suggestions

Hot chocolate is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with…

• Marshmallows (of course!)
• A side of biscotti for dipping
• A cozy blanket and a good book

Storage Instructions

Hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The whipped cream will likely lose its texture, so you might want to add a fresh dollop when serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time?
You can make the hot chocolate base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently and add fresh whipped cream before serving.

What’s the best type of milk to use for hot chocolate?
Full-fat milk will give you the richest flavor, but any milk you like will work!

How can I prevent lumps from forming in my hot chocolate?
Whisk the cocoa powder into the milk really well before heating. And keep stirring while it heats up!

Can I use chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can! Use about 2 ounces of good-quality dark chocolate, chopped, instead of the cocoa powder.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the hot chocolate?
Simply add more or less sugar to taste.

What is Malai and can I substitute it?
Malai is the creamy layer from boiled milk. If you can’t find it, just use regular heavy cream – it’ll still be delicious!