Dutch Oven Hot Chocolate Recipe
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I’ve got the perfect recipe for a cozy winter day: this rich, creamy Dutch Oven Hot Chocolate. It’s so easy to make, using common pantry staples, and it’s the ultimate comfort drink to warm you up on a chilly day.
Growing up, I always looked forward to those cozy winter days when my mom would bring home a big container of hot chocolate. It was a sure sign that the holiday season was approaching.
Fast forward a few years, and now I realize I can make my own hot chocolate anytime I want! And who needs those little, single-serve packets anyway? I say go big!
There are so many ways to make hot cocoa, but I personally find this to be my favorite! Be sure to pair it with a chunk of my homemade candy cane fudge or Oreo-dipped Christmas cookies.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Whole milk: I prefer whole milk over lighter milk, like 2% or skim. Whole milk adds a velvety texture and a touch of sweetness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what makes our hot chocolate stand out. It gives it that extra rich, creamy flavor. Of course, if you prefer, you can always substitute this for more whole milk.
- Cocoa Powder: I use unsweetened cocoa powder. It provides that deep, chocolatey flavor that you are going to love.
- Sugar: You can definitely adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt into the hot milk, creating a rich and decadent chocolate flavor. For a more intense chocolate experience, use dark chocolate chips. Less sweet but so rich.
- Whipped Cream and Sprinkles: These optional toppings add a touch of sweetness and festivity to your hot chocolate. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Variations
- Toppings: Feel free to use your favorite toppings for hot chocolate! A lot of times, I like to keep it simple with just a few marshmallows!
- Vanilla extract: I have used this ingredient in similar hot chocolate recipes, so if you are looking for a hint of vanilla flavor, just a little bit will do.
Dutch Oven Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Combine milk, whipping cream, cocoa powder, and sugar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk continuously to prevent burning.
Step 2: Once the mixture is hot but not boiling, add chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mug.
Step 4: Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Whisk the mixture continuously while heating to prevent cocoa powder clumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- This hot chocolate is definitely rich, but if you really want to kick it up a notch, use dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet.
- Enhance your hot chocolate with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or cinnamon sticks.
- For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your hot chocolate right away.
A few people have asked for a Mexican hot chocolate recipe. While I don’t have a specific one yet, you can easily transform this recipe into a Mexican hot chocolate by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you certainly can. It will be less silky and smooth, but it will work.
Whole milk is the number one choice for creaminess. You can use low-fat, soy, or any non-dairy milk as an alternative.
Yes! You will need to constantly stir the ingredients to prevent them from burning. Additionally, avoid boiling the milk. It should be steaming but not boiling.
Gently reheat the hot chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warm.
What to serve with hot chocolate
- Christmas M&M cookie bars are my husband’s favorite treat!
- Cranberry French toast, who said you can’t enjoy hot cocoa with breakfast?
- Deep dish chocolate chip cookie, it’s gooey and delicious!
- Iced ginger cookies sweet and chewy.
If you tried this Dutch Oven Hot Chocolate Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Dutch Oven Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- 5 qt dutch oven or saucepan
Ingredients
- 5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- Whipped cream and sprinkles for topping optional
Instructions
- Combine milk, whipping cream, cocoa powder, and sugar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk continuously to prevent burning.
- Once the mixture is hot but not boiling, add chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mug.
- Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Whisk the mixture continuously while heating to prevent the cocoa powder from clumping and to prevent the milk from burning.
- If you want to give this a Mexican Hot Cocoa vibe, add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper!
- Enhance your hot chocolate with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or cinnamon sticks.
Thank you for such clear instructions! This recipe is delicious!
We made this and topped it with crushed candy canes! Absolutely fantastic!