Make the best Healthy Hot Chocolate at home with this super simple method that takes about 3 minutes. It’s lower in sugar but full of that creamy, cozy flavor you expect. It’s so darn good to make for (and enjoy with!) the kids.
Healthy Hot Chocolate
I’m a big believer that hot chocolate is a must after playing outside in the snow or cold weather. Luckily, it’s so super easy to make at home with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
My kids love this—and I do, too! We do this method when we’re out of mix, and it’s a great option to have.
Just like chocolate milk, you can make this with any type of milk that you prefer, dairy or nondairy, and adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.
The marshmallows are optional, of course. We love the Dandies brand (their peppermint flavor is our fav) and recommend seeing if your store carries them.
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Ingredients You Need
To make this quick kids drink recipe you’ll need:
- Milk: I prefer using whole milk for maximum creaminess, but low fat would work, too.
- Pure vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder: I like the Saco or Hershey’s special dark brands of cocoa powder.
- Honey: This blends in easily to add some sweetness for kids over age 1.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use any unsweetened plain nondairy milk that you like.
- You can use maple syrup or sugar in place of the honey.
- It will work with cacao powder, as well as cocoa powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full info!
- Heat the milk.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
- Serve (with or without marshmallows!).
TIP: Cocoa powder tends to have little lumps, so whisk vigorously.
Frequently Asked Questions
We usually use whole milk, but any milk will work. (Nonfat milk will not create the most creamy results.) If using nondairy milk, choose an unsweetened nondairy option. Or, if it’s vanilla flavor, omit the vanilla extract.
If the milk is sweetened, you may not need the additional sweetener.
You can, but it won’t taste as good. (Water works with store-bought hot cocoa mix, but not so well with homemade hot cocoa.)
You could, but honestly, it tastes best with some honey added. You could also use some granulated sugar or maple syrup and stir it in until it’s dissolved. The serving size is usually on the smaller side, so you really don’t have to stress too much about some sugar here.
How to Store
If you wind up with leftover hot cocoa, or you want to prep it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring between to heat evenly.
You can also place it into a small pot over medium-low heat and bring just to a simmer.
Best Tips for Success
- We usually use whole milk, but any milk will work. (Nonfat milk will not create very creamy results, though.)
- If using nondairy milk, choose an unsweetened nondairy option. Or, if it’s vanilla flavor, omit the vanilla extract. If the milk is sweetened, you may not need the additional sweetener.
- Cocoa powder tends to have little lumps, so whisk vigorously.
- Add a little more cocoa powder and/or sweetener as desired.
- I like the Saco or Hershey’s special dark brands of cocoa powder.
- The marshmallows are optional, of course. We love the Dandies brand (their peppermint flavor is our fav) and recommend seeing if your store carries them.
- Test the temperature of the milk with your finger or take a little sip to ensure it’s right for the kids.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe out, so please comment and rate the recipe below.
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Warm the milk in a heat-safe container, like a glass measuring cup, in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. (Or warm in a small pot over medium-low heat on the stove top.)
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Vigorously whisk in the cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla.
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Top with marshmallows, if using, and serve.
- We usually use whole milk, but any milk will work. (Nonfat milk will not create very creamy results.)
- If using nondairy milk, choose an unsweetened nondairy option. Or, if it’s vanilla flavor, omit the vanilla extract. If the milk is sweetened, you may not need the additional sweetener.
- Cocoa powder tends to have little lumps, so whisk vigorously.
- Add a little more cocoa powder and/or sweetener as desired.
- I like the Saco or Hershey’s special dark brands of cocoa powder.
- The marshmallows are optional, of course. We do love the Dandies brand (their peppermint flavor is our fav) and recommend seeing if your store carries them.
- Test the temperature of the milk with your finger or take a little sip to ensure it’s right for the kids.
Calories: 88kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 53mg, Potassium: 171mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 198IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 139mg, Iron: 1mg
This post was first published November 2020.
