White Chocolate Hot Chocolate Recipe

This decadent White Chocolate Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, high-quality chopped white chocolate, a splash of vanilla extract, and a touch of heavy cream for extra richness. The result is a wonderfully smooth, sweet, and incredibly creamy warm beverage, perfect for a cozy treat. This simple recipe creates a luxurious drink for one or two people and is a delightful alternative to traditional hot cocoa.

White Chocolate Hot Chocolate Ingredients

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (90g) good-quality white chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• A tiny pinch of salt
• For Topping (Optional):
• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• White chocolate shavings
• Crushed peppermint candies

How To Make White Chocolate Hot Chocolate

1. Warm the Milk: Pour the milk and optional heavy cream into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges. Do not let it boil.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped white chocolate and the pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until the white chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract until it is well combined.
4. Serve Immediately: Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. If desired, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of mini marshmallows, or some white chocolate shavings.

Recipe Tips

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of this drink comes almost entirely from the white chocolate, so use the best quality you can find. A chocolate bar meant for eating will melt better and taste superior to most white chocolate chips, which often contain stabilizers.
• Chop the Chocolate Finely: Finely chopping the chocolate helps it melt quickly and evenly into the warm milk, preventing lumps and creating a smoother consistency.
• Don’t Boil the Milk: Overheating or boiling the milk can cause it to scald and form an unpleasant skin on top. Gentle, steady heat is all that’s needed to melt the chocolate perfectly.
• A Pinch of Salt is Key: Don’t skip the tiny pinch of salt! It won’t make your hot chocolate salty; instead, it enhances the sweetness and balances the rich flavor of the white chocolate.

What To Serve With White Chocolate Hot Chocolate

This rich and creamy drink pairs wonderfully with treats that are not overly sweet. Consider serving it with buttery shortbread biscuits, almond biscotti for dipping, or a simple, flaky croissant. For a flavor contrast, the tartness of fresh raspberries or strawberries provides a perfect balance to the sweet, creamy notes of the white chocolate.

How To Store White Chocolate Hot Chocolate Leftovers

• Refrigerate: If you have any leftovers, allow the hot chocolate to cool to room temperature. Pour it into an airtight container or jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, pour the cold hot chocolate into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring frequently until it is heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can be difficult to control the heat and may cause the mixture to separate. Do not bring it to a boil.

White Chocolate Hot Chocolate Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use white chocolate chips instead of a chopped bar? You can, but the result may not be as smooth. White chocolate chips often contain additives to help them hold their shape, which can prevent them from melting as creamily as a high-quality white chocolate bar. If using chips, choose a premium brand.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. The creaminess will vary depending on the type of milk you use.
• How can I make this for a crowd? This recipe can easily be scaled up. For a larger group, you can prepare it in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the crockpot, set it on low, and stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and everything is hot. Keep it on the “warm” setting for guests to serve themselves.
• Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! For a festive twist, add a drop of peppermint extract. A small amount of almond extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon would also be delicious. For an adults-only version, a splash of Baileys, Amaretto, or spiced rum works wonderfully.