Description
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping on a cup of thick, velvety hot chocolate, the kind that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, then Italian hot chocolate is exactly what you need. This luxurious, rich beverage is far from your typical cup of cocoa. With its creamy texture and indulgent flavor, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy during the colder months, whether you’re curling up with a good book, sharing a treat with friends, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk (for that creamy consistency)
- 4 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste, depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this thickens the hot chocolate and gives it that signature richness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional but delicious)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching, but don’t let it boil.
- Melt the Chocolate: Once the milk is warm, add the chopped chocolate. Stir constantly with a whisk until the chocolate has completely melted and the milk becomes smooth and creamy.
- Thicken the Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of milk to create a smooth slurry. Add the cornstarch mixture to the warm milk and chocolate, whisking until it thickens. This will only take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add sugar to taste, and stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. You can also sprinkle some grated chocolate or cocoa powder on top for a bit of extra flair. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavor of your homemade Italian hot chocolate.
Notes
- Use good quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the star ingredient, use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the hot chocolate before serving and adjust the sweetness with more sugar if needed. Everyone’s taste preference is different, so feel free to tweak it!
- For extra creaminess: If you prefer an even thicker hot chocolate, add a little more cornstarch (up to 2 tablespoons) to get the desired consistency.
- Toppings: Don’t forget to top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for that perfect finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Italian hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, indulgent hot chocolate, chocolate drinks, warm chocolate drink