Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe – Easy Cocoa & Hazelnut Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe – Easy Cocoa & Hazelnut Delight

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything better than a warm, cozy mug of hot chocolate on a chilly evening? Especially when it’s infused with the magic of Nutella and a hint of hazelnut! I first made this when my niece came to visit, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s seriously the easiest, most decadent hot chocolate you’ll ever make. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Nutella hot chocolate isn’t just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug. It’s unbelievably creamy, intensely chocolatey, and has that irresistible hazelnut flavour from the Nutella that just elevates everything. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes – perfect for those times when you need a little comfort fast. It’s a guaranteed mood booster!

Ingredients

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

• 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons (30g) Nutella
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) hazelnut syrup
• 2 teaspoons (10g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Dutch-processed cocoa powder: This is key for a smooth, rich chocolate flavour and a beautiful dark colour. Natural cocoa powder can work in a pinch, but the flavour won’t be quite as deep.
• Nutella: Obviously! I’m a purist when it comes to this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other hazelnut spreads if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Hazelnut syrup: This adds an extra layer of nutty goodness. If you can’t find hazelnut syrup, you can use a tiny drop of hazelnut extract (be careful, it’s strong!) or even a dash of almond extract. You could also use a flavoured coffee syrup.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic!

1. First, reserve about ¼ cup (60ml) of the milk. We’ll need this later.
2. Pour the remaining milk into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Don’t let it boil!
3. Whisk in the cocoa powder until it’s completely smooth and there are no lumps. Nobody likes lumpy hot chocolate!
4. In a separate bowl, mix the Nutella with the reserved milk until it’s fully dissolved. This prevents clumping when you add it to the hot milk.
5. Pour the Nutella mixture, sugar, and hazelnut syrup into the saucepan with the cocoa-milk base.
6. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps the flavours meld together beautifully.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Strain the mixture into mugs (this ensures a super smooth texture!).
9. Top with whipped cream and marshmallows – because why not?! – and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

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

• Don’t overheat the milk! Scalded milk doesn’t taste good.
• Stir, stir, stir! Constant stirring prevents sticking and ensures everything is nicely combined.
• A pinch of salt can actually enhance the chocolate flavour. Seriously, try it!

Variations

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

• Spice Level: My friend loves adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. It’s surprisingly good!
• Vegan Adaptation: Use your favourite plant-based milk (oat milk is amazing!) and a vegan Nutella alternative. There are some great options available now.
• Festival Adaptations: This is perfect for Christmas or any winter holiday. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a candy cane for stirring. My family loves it with a little orange zest during the holidays.

Serving Suggestions

This Nutella hot chocolate is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it extra special:

• Serve with a side of biscotti for dipping.
• Pair it with a warm, gooey chocolate brownie.
• Get fancy with the toppings! Try chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this hot chocolate is best enjoyed immediately. But if you must store it, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. It might separate a little, so give it a good whisk before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this hot chocolate suitable for children? Yes, it is! Just be mindful of the sugar content. You can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer.
• Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time? You can prepare the cocoa-Nutella base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just warm it up with the milk when you’re ready to enjoy.
• What’s the best type of milk to use for this recipe? Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest hot chocolate. But you can use any milk you like – 2% milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.
• Can I adjust the sweetness level? Absolutely! Feel free to add more or less sugar to suit your taste.
• Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of Nutella? While Nutella is the star here, you could experiment with other hazelnut butters or even almond butter. The flavour will be different, but still delicious!