Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

Italian Hot Chocolate is a rich, velvety treat perfect for chilly days when you want something more decadent than regular hot cocoa. Made with dark chocolate and thickened to a luscious consistency, it’s like drinking a warm chocolate pudding.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3.5 oz. dark chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Reserve ½ cup of the milk and set it aside for later use.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3 ½ cups of milk, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped dark chocolate to the simmering mixture and stir until fully melted and smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the reserved ½ cup of milk with the cornstarch, stirring until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
5. Step 5: Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while whisking continuously. Continue to cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the hot chocolate thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and serve the hot chocolate immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, or substitute with half-and-half for an even richer drink.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso for a flavor twist.
• For a vegan version, replace whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free dark chocolate.

Storage

Store any leftover Italian hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling or burning. If the thickness reduces after reheating, whisk in a small splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is best because it provides a pure chocolate flavor without added sugars. Using sweetened cocoa powder may make the drink too sweet, so adjust the sugar accordingly.

What if my hot chocolate is too thick after cooking?

If the hot chocolate thickens more than you like, simply stir in a little warm milk to loosen it up before serving.

Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

This rich and velvety Italian Hot Chocolate recipe offers a luxurious and comforting drink perfect for chilly days. Made with whole milk, high-quality dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla, it’s thickened with cornstarch to achieve a luscious, creamy texture that’s deeper and more indulgent than typical hot chocolate.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Milk Mixture

• 4 cups whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Chocolate and Thickening

• 3.5 oz. dark chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Reserve Milk: Set aside ½ cup of the whole milk to prepare the cornstarch slurry later in the recipe.
2. Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3 ½ cups of milk, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is almost simmering.
3. Melt Chocolate: Add the chopped dark chocolate to the warm milk mixture and stir continuously until the chocolate has fully melted and incorporated.
4. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: To the reserved ½ cup of milk, add the tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Thicken Hot Chocolate: While the chocolate mixture is still simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor, then serve the Italian Hot Chocolate immediately while warm and luscious.

Notes

• Use good-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the richest flavor.
• Constant stirring is key to avoid burning or clumping, especially when melting chocolate and adding the cornstarch slurry.
• This hot chocolate is thicker than regular hot chocolate, similar to a drinking chocolate, perfect for spoons or sipping slowly.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, though texture may vary slightly.
• Adjust sugar amount based on personal preference or type of chocolate used.

Keywords: Italian hot chocolate, drinking chocolate, rich hot cocoa, dark chocolate beverage, creamy hot chocolate