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I distinctly associate homemade hot cocoa with Christmas morning. And not from a packet, but homemade with rich, creamy whole milk and heavy cream, sweetened with coconut sugar for the perfect dose of sweet. Flavors are so much more full and robust with real ingredients and that proves true with hot cocoa as well. No Swiss Miss here. 

There was a Christmas in my childhood, when our house was being renovated and Christmas morning looked different. My parents had welcomed a 4th babe into the world and the 3 bed/2 bath home we inhabited needed some rearranging to hold us all. The kitchen was not functional and all the furniture was in storage. The Christmas tree was reminiscent of Charlie Brown’s and stood on a round outdoor table, we had brought inside for the season. We didn’t do as many Christmas presents that year due to the costly renovation, and on Christmas Eve my sisters and I stayed up way too late – huddled in our bathroom, creating scavenger hunts for each of the gifts we were to give Christmas morning – giggles and yawns in abundance. 

We awoke on Christmas morning and somehow my mom and dad still created a beautifully magical scene. The warmth of the fireplace filling the living room. The aroma of orange-braid Greek bread following from the toaster oven, and homemade hot cocoa waiting to warm up our fingertips. This Christmas, in it’s beautiful simplicity was a favorite of mine. 

Read on for the best hot cocoa recipe! Perfect for a cold winter day or for the holiday season! 

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder, whole milk, and heavy cream creates a decadent, velvety drink that’s far superior to store-bought mixes.
• Naturally Sweetened: Using coconut sugar provides a natural sweetness with a subtle caramel undertone, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar – better for your blood sugar. 
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, richness, and spices to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Add extra vanilla, a dash of cinnamon, or even a splash of peppermint extract for variety.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up without needing special ingredients or fancy equipment. Easily found at your local grocery store. 
• Warm and Comforting: Perfect for chilly days, this hot cocoa warms you up from the inside out, making it ideal for cozy evenings, holidays, or as a treat after outdoor adventures.
• Gourmet Touches: Homemade marshmallows and a sprinkle of nutmeg elevate this drink into a special indulgence that feels gourmet but is easy to achieve at home.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a treat that brings everyone together, whether it’s for a quiet night or a holiday gathering.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with cookies, pastries, or savory snacks, or enjoy it solo as a dessert-worthy drink.
• Gluten-Free and Refined Sugar Free

Ingredient List:

• Cocoa Powder: The base for the rich chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep and authentic chocolate taste. Opt for pure cocoa powder. 
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener with a subtle caramel flavor. It’s a great alternative to refined sugar and adds depth to the sweetness. You could substitute pure maple syrup. 
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve the cocoa powder and coconut sugar, creating a smooth, lump-free chocolate mixture as a base.
• Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and a rich texture. It’s the primary liquid ingredient that carries the chocolate flavor. Or use your milk of choice – unsweetened almond milk or oat milk – just make sure to add 1/2 cup extra to cover the heavy cream.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a luxurious texture to the hot cocoa. This is optional but elevates the richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and a subtle sweetness that complements the chocolate. Gives the hot cocoa the BEST flavor. 
• Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor. A small amount makes a big difference.
• Homemade Marshmallows: An optional topping that adds sweetness and a soft, fluffy texture. They melt slightly into the cocoa, creating a cozy indulgence.
• Pinch of Nutmeg: An optional warm spice that adds a hint of holiday flavor and complexity to the drink.

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and pinch of salt until evenly combined. This ensures there are no clumps of cocoa powder.
2. Create the chocolate base: For best results, add the boiling water to the saucepan and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved. This step creates a rich chocolate syrup-like base.
3. Add the dairy: Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, and stir gently to combine. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat, whisking occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat until the mixture is steaming and warmed through, but do not let it boil to maintain the creaminess.
4. Add the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract just before removing the saucepan from the heat. The vanilla adds a final layer of flavor without being cooked off.
5. Serve and garnish with Optional Ingredients : Pour the hot cocoa into your favorite mugs. Top with homemade marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top. And enjoy your cozy drink – a warm cup of hot cocoa 🙂 
6. Storage: store extra hot cocoa in a mason jar in the refrigerator. Consume within a week. 

Perfect Pairings:

Sweet Treats

1. Cookies:
   • Classic chocolate chip cookies
   • Gingerbread cookies for a festive twist
   • Snickerdoodles with their warm cinnamon flavor
2. Pastries:
   • Croissants or pain au chocolat
   • Danish pastries
   • Cinnamon rolls, especially with cream cheese icing
3. Cakes & Bars:
   • Brownies (fudgy or chewy)
   • Pound cake slices, especially with vanilla or lemon glaze
   • Biscotti for a crunchy treat to dip
4. Doughnuts:
   • Glazed or powdered sugar doughnuts
   • Chocolate-filled or cinnamon-sugar varieties
5. Fruit:
   • Chocolate-dipped strawberries
   • Slices of tart apple or pear with a drizzle of caramel

Savory Options

1. Cheese Platters:
   • Mild cheeses like brie or gouda
   • Pair with crackers or crusty bread
2. Popcorn:
   • Sweet and salty kettle corn
   • Caramel corn for an indulgent pairing
3. Nuts:
   • Roasted or candied nuts, like almonds or pecans
4. Breakfast Favorites:
   • Buttery toast or scones with jam
   • Flaky croissants paired with savory ham and cheese

Seasonal Favorites

1. Peppermint Candy:
   • Candy cane for stirring
   • Peppermint bark for a holiday vibe
2. Holiday Treats:
   • Sugar cookies with festive icing
   • Fruitcake or panettone
3. Gingerbread:
   • Houses or men for a nostalgic pairing
   • Spiced ginger loaf slices

Check out the recipe card below for delicious hot chocolate! (Pst… hot cocoa mix recipe coming SOON)

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (gluten & refined sugar free)

Homemade hot chocolate made with rich, creamy whole milk and heavy cream, sweetened with coconut sugar for the perfect dose of sweet. Flavors are so much more full and robust with real ingredients and that proves true with hot cocoa as well. No Swiss Miss here. 

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 4 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• Pinch of Salt
• Homemade Marshmallows
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and pinch of salt until evenly combined. This ensures there are no clumps of cocoa powder.
• Create the chocolate base: For best results, add the boiling water to the saucepan and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved. This step creates a rich chocolate syrup-like base.
• Add the dairy: Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, and stir gently to combine. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat, whisking occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat until the mixture is steaming and warmed through, but do not let it boil to maintain the creaminess.
• Add the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract just before removing the saucepan from the heat. The vanilla adds a final layer of flavor without being cooked off.
• Serve and garnish with Optional Ingredients : Pour the hot cocoa into your favorite mugs. Top with homemade marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top. And enjoy your cozy drink – a warm cup of hot cocoa 🙂
• Storage: store extra hot cocoa in a mason jar in the refrigerator. Consume within a week.

Servings: 4 servings