Is there anything better than enjoying a mug of Homemade Hot Chocolate after being outside on cold winter days? That was always my favorite as a kid, and even now, I find myself craving hot chocolate whenever I am cold.
It can be hard to find dairy-free or vegan hot cocoa mix at the grocery store, so this easy hot chocolate recipe is here to make sure you never have to go without hot cocoa on a cold day.
This creamy hot chocolate recipe is also perfect for making a hot chocolate bar this holiday season (or for any special occasions). Ready in just 5 minutes, this hot cocoa is the real deal!
For more holiday-inspired vegan recipes, try these Vegan Coconut Pecan Cookies, Vegan Snickerdoodles, or Vegan Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies.
More recipes for chocolate lovers:
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate
- Simple ingredients – This easy recipe is made with simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry. Better yet, it is super easy to customize or adjust if you are missing an ingredient!
- Rich flavor – Because this delicious recipe uses both cocoa powder and real chocolate, it really makes the best hot cocoa around.
- Perfect for a hot chocolate bar – This recipe is a perfect base for your next hot cocoa bar. It is dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free (depending on your choice of milk) – so it is a great option for a crowd that may have some guests with allergies.
Ingredients
- Non-dairy milk – Traditionally made with whole milk, hot chocolate can be made dairy-free with just about any variety of plant milk. I prefer oat milk or coconut milk for the higher fat content, but almond milk or soy milk will also work.
- Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder is used in this recipe. It is responsible for the rich flavor and dark chocolate color of this hot chocolate.
- Dark chocolate chips – Dairy-free chocolate chips are pretty easy to find in the grocery store. You can stick with a dark chocolate variety or use semi-sweet chocolate chips if that is all you can find. You can also use a bar of real chocolate that is dairy-free, and chopped into small pieces.
- Sugar* – I use vegan cane sugar for this recipe (see notes), but you can swap for equal parts of any sweetener you prefer. Also, feel free to adjust the sweetener content to suit your taste.
- Vanilla extract – Just a splash of vanilla extract makes a huge difference in this recipe.
- Pinch of salt – This is optional, but I think it brings out some wonderful flavors for this vegan hot chocolate.
- Extra Toppings: Mini marshmallows, candy cane pieces (or whole), vegan whipped cream, flavored syrup.
Helpful Equipment
In addition to measuring cups and spoons, the following equipment is helpful for this recipe:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
This is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make this recipe including photographs. For the quick version, skip ahead to the recipe card below!
In a small saucepan, add your milk of choice, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, salt, and vanilla extract.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the chocolate chips have completely melted and all ingredients form a smooth, rich liquid.
For best results, stir for a full 3 minutes making sure to use a whisk or spatula to scrape any melted chocolate that has stuck to the side or bottom of the saucepan.
Top with your favorite toppings: vegan whipped cream, crushed candy cane pieces, shaved chocolate, cinnamon – the options are endless!
That’s it! Serve and enjoy!
Variations
Add 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or any other flavor of chips to the hot milk and stir until melted.
Add a few squirts of your favorite flavored syrups: caramel, vegan chocolate syrup (for a creamier hot chocolate), or peppermint syrup are some of my favorites!
You can also make this recipe as a crockpot hot chocolate. Just add all ingredients into your slow cooker and set to low, stir often until all chocolate is melted. This may take up to 20 minutes but will vary based on your specific appliance and how much hot chocolate you are making. Once everything is melted, set your slow cooker to ‘Keep Warm’. Perfect for a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar for your next party!
How to Store
- Fridge: Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to re-melt any chocolate that hardened in the fridge.
More Tips
- Not Vegan? Use dairy milk or heavy cream instead of plant-based milk.
- Gluten-free? Stick with a certified gluten-free milk choice and you’re all set! As always, double-check all ingredients as brands do vary.
FAQ
Swap the chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate syrup in equal amounts. The cocoa will be thinner, but it will still have a rich chocolate flavor.
While the terms are often used interchangeably (I’m guilty!), ‘hot cocoa’ usually refers to cocoa powder dissolved in milk or water while ‘hot chocolate’ contains melted chocolate in hot or warm milk (or non-dairy milk in our case).
Yes, a bit. Chocolate itself contains some caffeine, so as a result, so does hot chocolate, but it is a much smaller amount than you’d find in a cup of coffee.
Vegan Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups plant milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp cane sugar
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add all ingredients and heat over medium-low heat.
- Stir constantly with a whisk, until the chocolate chips have completely melted and all ingredients form a smooth, rich liquid.
- Top with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
- That's it! Enjoy!
Notes
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- Not Vegan? Use dairy milk or heavy cream instead of plant-based milk.
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- Gluten-free? Stick with a certified gluten-free milk choice and you’re all set! As always, double-check all ingredients as brands do vary.
Nutrition
Please note, while all ingredients used in this recipe have been verified to be vegan and free of applicable allergens at the time of recipe creation, different brands may differ in their ingredients or processing procedures and may change their ingredients at any time. For some recipes, I do include ingredients that are processed in a facility that processes other allergens. Please make sure to check the ingredients and processing procedures for your specific purchases to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Last Updated on February 14, 2025
The perfect cozy drink for those cold winter days!