Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa

4.8 39
May 17, 2025
Difficulty: easy
3 servings
5 min
Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa: photo of the finished dish.

Hot cocoa isn’t just a drink – it’s a way to warm up on a chilly day, escape the daily hustle, and remember how simple life felt as a kid. One sip and you’re right back in your grandma’s kitchen, where it smells like vanilla, cinnamon, and something truly homemade.

In this recipe, I’ve put together three versions of cocoa: a basic (classic) one, a richer (creamy) option, and a spiced version (with added spices and dark chocolate). Want to relive the taste of childhood? Start with the basic recipe. Craving a little extra comfort and tenderness – go for the creamy version. And if your soul is calling for something bold, warming, and with a hint of spice – the spiced cocoa with chocolate and spices is just the thing for you.

All three are super easy to make – no fancy equipment or fuss required. All you need is a saucepan, a stove, and a good mood!

Warning! After a cup of this cocoa, you might just want to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, turn on your favorite show, and spend at least two hours soaking up the comfort.

Ingredients

For a simple cup of cocoa:

For creamy hot cocoa:

For spiced hot chocolate cocoa:

Cooking Instructions

    Simple cocoa recipe:

  1. This is that nostalgic cocoa that brings back childhood memories – simple and time-tested.

    Pour the milk into a small saucepan, then add the cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and sugar. I recommend first mixing the cocoa with some warm water, then pouring this mixture into the milk. This way, you'll avoid any lumps.

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 1

  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and start warming it up, stirring constantly. Heat the mixture until you see the first bubbles appear, but don’t let it come to a boil.

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 2

  3. Remove the drink from the heat and pour it into a mug. If you’d like to add a little extra cheer, pop a few marshmallows on top – they’ll melt right into the hot cocoa and give your drink a deliciously sweet touch.

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 3

  4. Creamy cocoa recipe:

  5. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of creamy texture to their drink.

    Just like before, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan. The only difference this time is that you’ll also want to add some cream and a splash of vanilla extract – they’ll give your drink a rich flavor and irresistible aroma.

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 4

  6. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar has completely dissolved and the drink is smooth and uniform, remove it from the heat.

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 5

  7. Pour the cocoa into a cup and enjoy!

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 6

  8. Spiced hot cocoa recipe with chocolate:

  9. Grind all the spices in a mortar and pestle (I highly recommend using freshly ground spices – they’ll give you the most flavor and aroma).

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 7

  10. Chop the chocolate into small pieces with a knife. It’s best to use dark, unsweetened chocolate with a high cocoa content.

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 8

  11. Pour the milk into a saucepan, add freshly ground spices, sugar, and cocoa powder. Start heating the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cocoa is completely dissolved.

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 9

  12. Next, add the chopped chocolate, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. The drink should thicken slightly, but don’t let it turn into pudding!

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 10

  13. This is the texture you should end up with. Enjoy your meal!

    Hot and Creamy Milk Cocoa - how to cook, step 11

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Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Cocoa

  1. Add a pinch of salt. Salt really brings out the sweetness and gives your cocoa a deeper, richer flavor. This trick is especially handy if you’re using unsweetened cocoa powder.
  2. Choose good, full-fat milk. For a creamier, smoother taste, go with whole cow’s milk. If you’re in the mood to experiment, try plant-based options – coconut or almond milk will add a fun twist to the flavor.
  3. Don’t let it boil. Boiling can ruin the texture and make your cocoa watery, so keep an eye on the pot and heat it gently.
  4. Don’t worry about the film on top. That’s totally normal – it’s just natural cocoa butter. When you heat cocoa, these oils can separate and create a thin, oily film. If you’re using cow’s milk, its fats can rise to the surface too. Nothing to worry about!
  5. Pre-mix your cocoa powder. If you’re worried about cocoa sticking to the sides or bottom of your pan, here’s a little tip I learned from my parents. Put the cocoa powder in a small bowl, add hot water (just a bit more than the amount of cocoa, about a 1 to 1.5 ratio), and stir until you get a smooth paste. Then add this mixture to your warm milk in the saucepan and continue with the recipe as usual.

Quick Mug Cocoa: Perfect for Busy Days

If you don’t have time to hang out by the stove, you can always whip up cocoa in the microwave. Just mix milk, cocoa powder, and sugar right in your mug, give it a good stir, and heat it up. This method is perfect for a speedy snack or to warm up after being out in the cold.

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