Tried and True Homemade Hot Chocolate (Perfect for Families & Crowds)

Hot cocoa is a wintertime must-have for families of all ages. Whether you’re coming in from a snowy hike, wrapping up an afternoon of sledding, or watching kids proudly admire their lopsided snowman, there’s something comforting about ending the day with steaming mugs of homemade hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

While I’ll occasionally reach for packaged hot cocoa mixes—especially when hosting guests or needing a dozen cups in a hurry—this is the homemade hot chocolate recipe I rely on year after year. I’ve been making it for more than 20 years, and it has never failed me. It’s rich without being heavy, chocolatey without being bitter, and it scales beautifully for everything from quiet family nights to large gatherings.

If you’re looking for a classic homemade hot chocolate recipe from scratch that works every single time, this is the one.

 

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Why This Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe is my Family's Favorite

This recipe is perfect because it balances simplicity, flexibility, and consistency:

• Made with pantry-staple ingredients
• Easy to double, triple, or scale for a crowd
• Works with dairy or plant-based milk
• Rich, smooth texture without needing chocolate bars or specialty ingredients

It’s the kind of recipe you can memorize—and once you do, you’ll never need to look up another hot chocolate recipe again.

Ingredients for Homemade Hot Chocolate

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream, or substitute with plant-based or regular milk, if desired
• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

• Cinnamon sticks
• Mini marshmallows (or whipped cream)

🛒 What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Tap between ingredients and tools to grab exactly what you need.

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Stevia
• Salt
• Half and Half
• Oat Milk
• Vanilla Extract
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Mini Marshmallows
• Whipped Cream

• Saucepan
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Whisk
• Large Mugs

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How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate from Scratch

1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar or sweetener, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil and stir for 2 minutes to fully develop the chocolate flavor.
3. Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring well. Heat until hot, but do not boil.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Whisk vigorously until the hot chocolate becomes slightly frothy.
6. Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick and mini marshmallows or whipped cream.

Tips, Variations, and Make-Ahead Notes

Milk Substitutions

I’ve successfully made this recipe with almond milk and soy milk many times. If you’re using an unsweetened plant-based milk, you may want to add a touch more sugar or a natural sweetener like stevia to taste.

Serving a Crowd

This recipe yields approximately four servings, but it’s incredibly easy to scale. Simply double, triple, or quadruple the ingredients as needed. The flavor stays rich and balanced even in large batches.

Years ago—back when high schools still offered home economics classes—we multiplied this recipe to serve an entire student council plus a group of holiday carolers after an event. Every cup was just as good as the first.

Topping Ideas

If marshmallows aren’t your favorite, whipped cream is a great alternative. Both traditional dairy whipped cream and coconut milk whipped cream work beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Hot Chocolate

Can I make homemade hot chocolate ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare as directed, cool slightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently.

Can this be made dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Adjust sweetness as needed depending on whether the milk is sweetened or unsweetened.

Is this better than packaged hot cocoa mix?
For everyday comfort and flavor, yes. This recipe offers deeper chocolate flavor, better texture, and full control over sweetness and ingredients.

This is one of those back-pocket recipes—the kind that becomes part of your family’s winter rhythm. It’s reliable, adaptable, and endlessly cozy, whether you’re making two mugs or twenty.