Easy French Hot Chocolate
why make this recipe
This hot chocolate is thick, warm, and very simple to make. It tastes rich like a café drink but you make it at home. It pairs well with sweet breakfasts and treats like apple cinnamon French toast muffins for a cozy morning.
introduction
Easy French Hot Chocolate is smooth and full of chocolate flavor. It uses whole milk and good dark chocolate so it feels creamy and indulgent. This recipe is quick and it makes a cup that warms you on cold days.
how to make Easy French Hot Chocolate
Make sure you have the ingredients measured and ready. Heat the milk gently with a cinnamon stick to add a warm spice. Mix in cocoa and chopped chocolate while you whisk so the drink becomes smooth and thick. For another take or for more step ideas, see a basic hot chocolate recipe for comparison.
Ingredients :
500 ml whole milk, 200 g chocolate (chopped (I like 54% dark)), 100 ml double (heavy) cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp caster (superfine) sugar (or granulated sugar), Pinch of salt
Directions :
Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick (and vanilla if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then remove from the heat. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse., Remove the cinnamon stick, then whisk in the cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Return the pan to a low heat and whisk continuously until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened., Stir in the double cream and continue to heat gently for another minute, taking care not to let it boil., Pour into mugs and serve immediately – thick, rich, and perfectly luxurious. For an extra touch, top with softly whipped cream, marshmallows or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. My easy homemade marshmallows would be incredible here!, The video below will help with this recipe.
how to serve Easy French Hot Chocolate
Pour the hot chocolate into small mugs. Serve it thick and hot. Add softly whipped cream or marshmallows on top if you like. It also goes well with toast or pastries, such as an easy French toast, for a full treat.
how to store Easy French Hot Chocolate
Cool the drink to room temperature first. Put it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat and whisk before serving. Do not reboil the drink or it may separate.
tips to make Easy French Hot Chocolate
- Use good-quality chocolate for the best taste.
- Chop the chocolate small so it melts quickly and evenly.
- Heat slowly and keep whisking so the drink stays smooth and does not burn.
- Don’t let it boil after you add the cream. Boiling can make it thin or grainy.
- Taste and add a tiny more sugar if you like it sweeter.
variation (if any)
- Make it spiced: add a small pinch of chili or a little nutmeg.
- Make it dairy-free: use a full-fat plant milk and a dairy-free cream.
- Make it lighter: use less cream and a little more milk.
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk with lower fat?
A: Yes. You can use semi-skimmed milk, but the drink will be less rich.
Q: What chocolate percent works best?
A: 50–70% dark chocolate works well. Use what you like for taste.
Q: Can I make this for a crowd?
A: Yes. Multiply the ingredients and warm in a pot. Keep it on low and stir often.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can make it a day ahead and reheat gently. Whisk well when reheating.
Q: Can I sweeten it differently?
A: Yes. Use maple syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener instead of sugar.
Easy French Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Method
- Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick (and vanilla if using).
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then remove from the heat.
- Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, then whisk in the cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Return the pan to a low heat and whisk continuously until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the double cream and continue to heat gently for another minute, taking care not to let it boil.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately, optionally topping with softly whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.