This Italian Hot Chocolate is thick, rich, and absolutely delicious. Learn how to make it with 5 simple ingredients in under 15 minutes!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Italians know pasta but they also know hot chocolate! Also known as cioccolata calda, this hot chocolate is thick, rich and so creamy. Once you make it, it will be as if you ordered it in a gourmet coffee shop in Italy, as close to authentic as you can get making it in your own kitchen. It's the best!
It's also very easy to make. You may never go back to making hot cocoa from powder but instead, go back to this recipe over and over. I know, because that's what I do! This Italian-style hot chocolate is the best treat after playing in the snow on a cold winter day or simply when you crave something sweet, quick, and easy!
Ingredients:
- dark chocolate: very good quality, the best you can find;
- milk: the fattier, the richer the taste of the hot chocolate; I used whole milk;
- cocoa powder: unsweetened, good quality;
- sugar: adds sweetness since we are using dark chocolate;
- cornstarch: the secret ingredient that makes the chocolate thick.
How to make Italian hot chocolate?
- Start by chopping chocolate.
- Place it in a 2-quart saucepan, add a splash of milk and cook until melted, stirring often.
- Add cocoa powder and sugar to the chocolate mixture.
- Cook and stir until completely combined and smooth.
- Mix cornstarch with a splash of milk and add to chocolate.
- Stir in until smooth.
- Add the remaining milk, slowly pouring in, and stir the chocolate until smooth and thick.
- Simmer, then remove from heat. Make whipped cream.
- Serve garnished with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
What is the difference between American and Italian hot chocolate?
Italian hot chocolate is thicker and richer than American or even French hot chocolate. The use of cornstarch makes it thick, it's the secret ingredient. American hot chocolate is more like chocolate milk.
How to serve Italian hot chocolate?
Let me just say, forget about topping it with marshmallows. This is not hot cocoa from a powder mix. This is a rich and decadent chocolate drink! Make whipped cream, shave or grate some chocolate and you will be able to garnish your hot chocolate beautifully! In Italy, they say "con panna" which means "with whipped cream" and that's the best way to serve it, in my opinion.
Helpful Tips!
- Gather all of the ingredients and measure them before starting the recipe.
- Chop the chocolate so it melts evenly and quickly.
- Keep the heat on a low setting so the mixture doesn't burn.
- If your chocolate clumps up, remove it from the heat and whisk until it's smooth again.
- To add spice, use cinnamon, cloves, ground ginger, etc.
Recipe FAQs:
If you need to skip the cornstarch, reduce the milk to 1 and 1/2 cups and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Simmer the mixture just until hot. Do not use flour instead of cornstarch.
This recipe calls for dark chocolate, but don't use 60% or more cocoa because the chocolate will be too bitter. I used 45% cocoa chocolate.
Hot chocolate is best served right after preparation. The texture won't be the same if you chill it and then reheat it.
If you end up having leftovers, store this hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you want to substitute sugar, try monkfruit. I do not like the flavor of stevia but use what you are familiar with.
If you want to substitute the milk with a dairy-free option, try almond milk. Coconut milk may add coconut flavor so remember that.
More drink recipes:
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Italian Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 oz dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Chop chocolate and place in a 2 qt saucepan.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and a splash of milk and set aside.
- Add a splash of milk and cook over low heat until melted, stirring often.
- Add sugar to the chocolate mixture. Sift the cocoa powder over the mixture. This will prevent clumps. Stir in.
- Cook and stir until completely combined and smooth.
- Add cornstarch slurry to chocolate mixture and stir in well.
- Add the remaining milk, slowly pouring in, and stir the chocolate until smooth and thick.
- Simmer, then remove from heat.
- Make whipped cream. Serve hot chocolate garnished with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
Notes
- Gather all of the ingredients and measure them before starting the recipe.
- Keep the heat on a low setting so the mixture doesn't burn.
- If your chocolate clumps up, remove it from the heat and whisk until it's smooth again.
- I used 45% cocoa chocolate.
- I used whole milk.
- If you want to substitute the milk with a dairy-free option, try almond milk.
Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Erin says
I've been wondering how to make thick, rich hot chocolate like this! It turned out perfect - love it!
Anna says
I am so glad! Thank you, Erin!
Kara says
Definitely for true chocolate fans! The richest and creamiest hot chocolate I've ever tried! Whipped cream is great, but so is a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oh boy.
Anna says
Yay! Thank you, Kara!
Kristen says
It has been a cold dreary day where I live so this rich hot chocolate was just what I needed.
Anna says
Love that! Thank you, Kristen!