I have a small confession to make: Hot Chocolate is one of my weaknesses. When cold and windy, snow-dusted evenings come along, I’m all about a giant cup of hot chocolate topped with a fresh pile of that real-deal whipped cream. In fact, the more whipped cream, the better.
I remember drinking Swiss Miss growing up. The kind with the weird after-taste and the fake mini-marshmallows. It was weird, indeed. I topped mine with extra Reddi-wip and zero regrets. Little did I know that making your own rich and creamy hot chocolate could be easier than you ever imagined.
Now here I am, writing to you with a big old cup of thick, creamy hot chocolate made from scratch with some of my favorite SIMPLE ingredients. And sitting next to me? A brand new scarf from my friend Jessie at Wool and Whiskey. Hot chocolate + a cozy scarf + maybe a good book to cozy up with? That’s what I plan on doing all winter long.
Before I talk about Jessie’s amazing scarfs I want to give you the low-down on this hot chocolate recipe, because if you’re anything like me, you’ll head straight to the kitchen after reading this to make a batch yourself. So, basics here:
Coconut milk + almond milk: I made this batch with a mixture of both. It makes it smooth, thick and CREAMY. The important thing here is to make sure you use coconut milk from the CAN not the carton. The carton is watered-down, but the canned version provides the thick and creamy flavor you want, especially when it comes to hot cocoa. I used the lite coconut milk but you can also use full-fat if that is what you prefer. Don’t worry about the almond milk coming from a can – I’m not sure they make that anyway.
Dark chocolate: Here’s where you can get creative! Feel free to use your favorite chocolate bar, or if you’d like you can use a flavored version in this recipe. I recently got to test and taste of some Lindt’s dark chocolate bars and they were some of the best I’ve had. I might recommend going with their sea salt version, or perhaps the 70% cocoa. Otherwise, feel free to use dark chocolate chips. For a dairy free/vegan version, try using Enjoy Life. Lots of choices here so don’t be shy!
Cocoa powder: I only use the best of the best here, which is a cocoa powder packed with flavor. If you don’t have that, you could try the Ghirardelli Cocoa powder or another high-quality cocoa powder (anything besides Hershey’s). I will note that I tried to use the cocoa powder from Trader Joe’s and found it to have a weird after taste in this recipe. Same goes with Hershey’s. Finding a solid cocoa powder you can bake with is important, so choose wisely!
Alright, now after I’ve given you an education on my hot chocolate recipe ingredients, it’s time for an AMAZING giveaway!
My friend Jessie started Wool and Whiskey shortly after she graduated college and it’s been nothing short of successful. Her scarves are hand-woven, warm, high-quality and absolutely beautiful. If you have time, be sure to stop by her website and Etsy shop to check out all of her fabulous creations (including hats + mittens + sweaters!).
To participate in today’s giveaway, all you have to do is fill out the form below to be entered to win a Butterscotch scarf from Wool and Whiskey (pictured above). P.S. Wool and Whiskey products make the best holiday gifts; I got the Colbalt blue scarf for Tony’s sister last year and she loves it. Good luck!
If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below! You can also snap a pic, upload it to Instagram and tag #ambitiouskitchen so I can see your creations! Hope this recipe keeps you nice and cozy.
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 - 15 oz can lite coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (about 2 oz dark chocolate)
- 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Small pinch of salt, to taste
- For topping:
- Homemade whipped cream, coconut milk whipped cream and/or marshmallows
Instructions
- Add coconut milk and almond milk to a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Whisk in chocolate chips, cacao powder and vanilla; mixing until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. I recommend starting with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, tasting, then adding more in if you feel it’s necessary. Lastly add in a tiny pinch of salt. Taste and adjust flavor as necessary.
- Top with homemade whipped cream, coconut milk whipped cream (vegan version) or marshmallows. Whatever your heart desires!
I agree that most coconut milk cartons don’t do the job, there is ONLY ONE that is great and that is Arroy-D. If you can find it, you won’t be sorry! 😉
I was craving a chocolate fix tonight and hot chocolate seemed like the best way to fill the craving. Wowow this hit the spot! Instead of almond milk (I didn’t have any) I used hazelnut nut pods. And a small splash of maple syrup. It was rich but not overly sweet and totally took care of my chocolate craving. Thank you for another fabulous recipe!!
Love that! Glad you enjoyed!
I just made this decadent hot chocolate and it was great! I used full fat coconut cream in a 400 ml can, plain almond milk (35 cal, per cup), 2 oz of 80% organic dark chocolate from a bar, 1 tsp pure organic vanilla and organic cacao powder. I also used 2 packets of stevia and a small pinch of sea salt.
It is so smooth and creamy that it could be used for a topping on anything or diluted with your favorite milk for a cold chocolate drink.
Sounds delicious!!
This hot chocolate looks gorgeous, I love how you photographed it!
Thanks Nicole! This was a fun one.
Made this last night. It was so good! Thank you.
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed.
Love your site and your recipe! Just a note: “Dutch” processing cocoa powder reduces its healthy polyphenols. There is a scientific debate about how significantly this reduces its health benefits, so I am going non Dutch just in case 🙂
Thank you for this amazing recipe. I made it last night and can’t stop raving about it to everyone. I’m going to do up a blog post about it and tag you! Thanks again.
That chocolate looks amazing!! I have a similar recipe on my blog: https://thehappiestpixel.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/hot-chocolate-the-happiest-one/
If you want to check it!! 🙂
This looks o so yummy! My goodness, cozy up with a mug of this chocolate and a scarf 😉 Perfect!
holy decadent hot chocolate glory!! I cannot wait until it gets chilly enough for a giant mug of this!
Swiss miss used to be my life in winter! Glad I moved on from the powdered stuff and can enjoy this perfect homemade treat!
If you haven’t been to Mindy’s Hot Chocolate in Chicago yet, you have to go! The hot chocolate is unreal!
Yes I need to go!!
Wow, this looks delicious and I’ve been looking for more dairy-free drinks like this!
excited to try this recipe, I love the thick creamy texture. also, love your boots in the giveaway pic.where are they from?
LOVE this! Coconut milk makes the most incredible hot chocolate! Can’t wait to try it!
I have been waiting for this one. Think it’s my favorite photo of the last round. <3
This hot chocolate sounds incredibly delicious! I love it!
can’t wait to try this one with tcho milk chocolate! it’s so caramelly that mixed with some dark chocolate to temper the sweetness, i think it’d make a great cup of hot chocolate.