Description
This thick and creamy Italian hot chocolate is rich, velvety, and intensely chocolaty with a luxurious texture that feels like dessert in a mug.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3.5 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream
- Optional: chocolate shavings
- Optional: cocoa powder dusting
- Optional: ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 cup of milk into a small bowl and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium heat.
- Whisk continuously until the cocoa powder dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the reserved milk until fully dissolved.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while whisking constantly.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the hot chocolate thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately with desired toppings.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
- If the hot chocolate becomes too thick, stir in extra milk while reheating.
- Oat milk or almond milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
- A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne adds extra warmth and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slowly over low heat while stirring constantly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
