BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (2024)

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is curl up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa and spend the evening relaxing and this is one of my favorite white hot chocolate recipes.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (1)

This white hot chocolate makes those evenings feel even more decadent with an easy, but velvety blend of milk, chocolate vanilla and toppings. Perfect for snow days, holidays or a random cold day in the winter season.

My preferred hot beverage of choice? Creamy white hot chocolate! It’s rich and decadent with a subtle chocolate flavor that’s not overpowering and a whole lot cheaper than buying it at the local coffee shop.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (2)

Why You’ll Love This White Hot Chocolate

A hot drink that’s full of vanilla flavor with the perfect creamy consistency- what’s not to love!

  • Great for the holiday season – This delicious drink will warm you to the core, and can certainly be dressed up with peppermint candies to ring in the holiday cheer.
  • Only 3 ingredients – With milk, white chips and vanilla, you have all you need to make this favorite white chocolate recipe.
  • Easy to customize – This is a very basic recipe that can be modified and dressed up to create your own hot white chocolate.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (3)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (4)

Is White Chocolate Really Chocolate?

Did you know white chocolate doesn’t actually have any chocolate in it? There are no cocoa liquors or chocolate solids in white chocolate, unlike those found in milk and dark chocolate. It is actually made from cocoa butter so it has a very different flavor profile.

Some chocolate lovers like to argue that it’s not “real” chocolate but I say it’s all a technicality and white chocolate hot chocolate is one of the best homemade hot chocolates.

For this easy recipe, all you need is white chocolate (I prefer to splurge on the “fancier” brands), milk and vanilla extract for one of the best hot drinks ever!

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (5)

Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients to make this easy white hot chocolate that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

  • Milk – Whole milk gives the richest beverage, but any fat content can be used. You can even use a dairy free milk if needed.
  • White chocolate – Use a good quality chocolate which can be white chocolate chips or bar chocolate. It does best when added in smaller pieces.
  • Vanilla extract – I also like to use a good quality vanilla extract. After all, it’s the main flavor of this sweet treat.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (6)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (7)

How to Make White Hot Chocolate

You are going to love how simple it is to make this easy white hot chocolate recipe.

  1. Heat milk. Heat the milk in a heavy bottom medium saucepan over medium heat, but no higher. It needs to be the right temperature to melt the chocolate, but not create scalded milk. Whole milk gives the richest beverage, but any fat content can be used.
  2. Add chocolate and vanilla. Reduce the milk to low heat and add the white chocolate and vanilla extract, stirring until completely melted. Use a good quality chocolate which can be white chocolate chips or bar chocolate. One cup equals 8 ounces. It does best when added in smaller pieces. Do not let it sit or the chocolate will sink and potentially burn.
  3. Remove from heat and serve. Remove from the heat and ladle into cups while hot.
  4. Add garnishes. Garnish with toppings of choice, peppermint whipped cream or peppermint sticks or homemade hot chocolate sticks.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (8)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (9)

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

You’ll see a lot of recipes out there for slow cooker or crockpot hot chocolate and quite frankly, there is no benefit to actually cooking your hot chocolate in a slow cooker versus on the stove. In fact, it might take longer.

The only pro is the nearly 100% certainty that it won’t scald, but to do that you still need to stir it every so often.

However, if you are serving white hot chocolate at a party and want to keep it at the optimal temperature for a long period of time, feel free to keep it in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (10)

Variations

In my opinion, homemade white chocolate hot chocolate is a great drink to serve around the holidays. It’s family-friendly and kids LOVE it, especially when you add in some hot chocolate stir sticks.

  • Alcohol – And if you want to make it not-so-kid-friendly? Both Kahlua and Irish cream taste AMAZING with white hot chocolate!
  • Change the flavor – Or you can make into a Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate or Almond White Hot Chocolate with just a couple of modifications.
  • Regular hot chocolate – Change the chocolate to milk chocolate, dark chocolate or even a blend of chocolates.
  • Dairy free milk – Swap out dairy milk for non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk.
  • Hot chocolate bar – Make it into a hot chocolate bar so friends can build their own creation.
  • Toppings – Top your whipped cream with white chocolate mocha sauce, regular white chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, mini marshmallows, a white chocolate bar or fudge.
  • Grinch Style– Make this into a Grinch Hot Chocolate with a little food coloring.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (11)

Double Batches, Make Ahead & Storage

Double batch: One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to double, triple or even quadruple. This particular recipe makes 4 servings but can easily serve a large group of guests too.

Make ahead: It can be made ahead and simply reheated, but since it really just involves 3 ingredients, it isn’t much of a bother.

Freezer: Homemade hot chocolate can also be frozen in individual freezer bags and thawed for a quick cup.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (12)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (13)

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use cocoa powder?

This type of recipe doesn’t lend well to cocoa powder. It won’t disintegrate and will remain grainy. Instead, use real chocolate chips, the same amount.

Can I use heavy cream or whipping cream?

I wouldn’t use all of either. You can use half & half though. Cream will be super heavy and probably give you a massive tummy ache!

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (14)

More Easy Drink Recipes

  • Wassail Hot Toddy
  • Holiday Whiskey Fizz
  • Red Sangria
  • Peppermint Patty Cocktail

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BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (20)

Homemade White Hot Chocolate Recipe

4.43 from 182 votes

Homemade White Hot Chocolate is the perfect drink for warming up on cold days. White chocolate hot chocolate is delicious, quick and easy to make!

Prep Time: 2 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 12 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup white chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Toppings of Choice
  • Hot Chocolate Stir Sticks
  • Peppermint Whipped Cream

Instructions

  • Heat the milk in a heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat, but do not boil.

  • Reduce to low heat and add the white chocolate chips and vanilla extract, stirring until completely melted.

  • Remove from heat and ladle into cups while hot.

  • Garnish with toppings of choice and whipped cream.

  • If you've tried this recipe, come on back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Notes

If you want to make this into a white hot chocolate cocktail, stir in 1 ounce kahlua or Irish creme.

Nutrition

Calories: 394 kcal, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 22 g, Saturated Fat: 13 g, Cholesterol: 33 mg, Sodium: 145 mg, Potassium: 450 mg, Sugar: 39 g, Vitamin A: 410 IU, Vitamin C: 0.2 mg, Calcium: 365 mg, Iron: 0.2 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 394

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: homemade white hot chocolate

Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken white hot chocolate? ›

Try a teaspoon of cornstarch, mixed with a little cold water, added to the milk when you boil it. As Kate Gregory suggests, you could also use full-fat milk, or loads of shaved chocolate. The hot chocolate you find at an Italian cafe is thick, even without being cioccolata fiorentina. :-) Good to know.

Is white hot chocolate made of white chocolate? ›

What is white hot chocolate made of? It varies recipe to recipe, but for this version, Ree heats milk with half-and-half on the stovetop, then stirs in white chocolate chips until melted. Vanilla and salt are added at the end to add richness. Other recipes may call for chopped white chocolate.

How to thicken milk for hot chocolate? ›

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens. Double Cream: Stirring in a splash of double cream can instantly enrich and thicken your drink, giving it a velvety texture.

How do you melt white chocolate and make it creamy? ›

To melt white chocolate in a microwave, break it into small, uniform pieces and put them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, stir, and then continue heating in 15-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Why add cornstarch to hot chocolate? ›

If the hot chocolate doesn't thicken, add a slurry of cornstarch and milk (dissolve ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold milk) to the hot chocolate and continue stirring over medium high heat until slightly thickened.

Can you use creamer instead of milk in hot chocolate? ›

You can use any flavored creamer you have to whip up a creamy, flavored hot chocolate. My favorites have been using vanilla or hazelnut creamer. Or you can even get creative and mix creamer flavors to make unique flavor combos…a very good idea.

Is hot hot chocolate better with milk or water? ›

While some people may prefer the creaminess that milk adds to their cup of cocoa, others might enjoy the lighter flavor provided by using water instead. Ultimately, there is no definitive answer as to which liquid makes for a better cup of hot chocolate - it all depends on individual preference.

What liquid is best for hot chocolate? ›

I always use whole milk because it has such great flavor and a creamy texture. If you're concerned about calories, c'mon we're dunking straight-up fudge in this stuff.

What to use instead of cornstarch in hot chocolate? ›

Substitute cornstarch with plain flour.

I recommend adding the flour while cooking the hot chocolate, so you have a little more control of the thickness.

How do you thicken hot chocolate without heavy cream? ›

Yes, cornstarch is a great option for thickening dairy-free hot chocolate. You can use it in almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk alternative. Just ensure the cornstarch is well-mixed to avoid clumps.

How do you thicken chocolate and cream? ›

To thicken your ganache, try putting it in the fridge for an hour. After half an hour, take it out and stir it to help it set. If you don't have an hour to wait, try adding more melted chocolate. For a thick ganache, you'll want twice as much chocolate as cream.

How do you make white chocolate more runny? ›

To thin melted chocolate, add a small amount of neutral oil, like vegetable oil or cocoa butter, stirring gently until it reaches the desired consistency. Melt slowly to avoid overheating, and keep water out to prevent the chocolate from seizing.

How do you thicken melted white chocolate? ›

To thicken your ganache, try putting it in the fridge for an hour. After half an hour, take it out and stir it to help it set. If you don't have an hour to wait, try adding more melted chocolate. For a thick ganache, you'll want twice as much chocolate as cream.

How do you fix watery hot chocolate? ›

Add the cornstarch directly to the small amount of liquid and stir it until dissolved. Once the pot of liquid begins to boil, stir in the cornstarch slurry. The milk will thicken slightly within 10 to 20 seconds.

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