Healthy Hot Chocolate

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Curl up by the fire this holiday season with a mug of delicious, creamy, healthy hot chocolate. Made with just five simple ingredients, this hot cocoa recipe will have you ditching store-bought mixes forever, and you’ll want to go back for a second cup every time.

Table of Contents

Two glass mugs of healthy hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows. Greenery, a candle, red towel with brass spoons surrounding the mugs.

Nothing is cozier than curling up with a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly day, and this homemade version results in a healthier hot chocolate than Swiss Miss or other brands. With just a few basic pantry staples (and milk, of course) you can whip up this healthy hot chocolate recipe for an afternoon treat.

While healthy hot cocoa is delicious and tempting every time, we understand that sometimes you just need a little more umpf in your morning cuppa.

If adding a shot of espresso isn’t an option for you, try this easy eggnog latte for something festive, or this delicious honey butter latte instead. Or maybe you’re not a coffee person? Then you have to try this green tea latte. It’s sooooo good.

Top off your cup of hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream, or better yet, chocolate whipped cream! If you’re dairy free, try this vegan whipped cream.

Or skip whipped cream and make some homemade marshmallows! The good news is, whether you top your cup of hot cocoa with something extra or not, it’s going to be delicious.

Recipe Highlights

Delicious: It has the perfect touch of sweetness.

Affordable: So much cheaper than buying one out.

Healthy: No additives and sweetened with pure maple syrup.

Better flavor: You can add more sweetness according to your liking. You can also add in other flavors to your liking.

Easy: Made with ingredients you probably already have on hand

Health Benefits

Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants that can help support overall cell health. It supports heart health by helping to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce “bad” cholesterol. It boosts brain function and mood (Ask just about any woman. Chocolate helps, and there is science to back that claim up!!)
Maple syrup also contains powerful antioxidants AND unlike refined sugar, maple syrup naturally contains several important minerals like Manganese, Zinc, Calcium, Potassium, and Iron.
Whole milk is one of the best natural sources of calcium. It also contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Not to mention the healthy fat found in whole milk is necessary for overall brain health and function.

Ingredients

small bowls of cocoa powder and maple syrup, a glass of milk and a measuring spoon of vanilla on a countertop.

Whole milk: whole milk tastes like luxury and is a good source of healthy fat. Other healthy versions will have you making hot chocolate with almond milk, which is fine if you are counting calories for weight loss, but it’s not nearly as creamy as whole milk.

Unsweetened Cocoa powder: Make sure what you are using is pure unsweetened cocoa, aka raw cacao powder.

Maple syrup: provides the perfect amount of sweetness. Could also be substituted with honey, brown sugar, or regular sugar.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla complements chocolate by balancing its bitterness and enhancing its sweetness. Sometimes I like to add a little extra.

A full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card.

Tools You May Need:

Measuring spoons

Medium saucepan

Whisk or frother. I love my milk frother.

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Two mugs (or one big one!)

Substitutions and Variations

Two mugs of creamy hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows and whipped cream with brass spoons in each mug. a candle, towel and greenery are in the background.

Type of milk: For a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk, try almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. These are all good dairy free options.

Maple Syrup: If you don’t want to use or don’t have maple syrup, you can swap it for honey brown sugar, or regular sugar. Sweeten to your personal preference because every sweetener is different and you may want more or less.

Flavor variations: In addition to your vanilla extract, try adding in peppermint extract for a peppermint hot cocoa. I have also heard from friends that hazelnut extract is a yummy addition, but since I am allergic to hazelnuts I cannot confirm.

Spice it up: Try adding a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick! These spices also help aid in your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar.

Superfood add-ins: Try adding: Maca powder for energy and hormone balance, Turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, Collagen powder for skin and joint health, Chili powder for a metabolism boost.

How To Make Healthy Hot Chocolate

Milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder vanilla and salt in a saucepan.

Step 1: Place all the ingredients in the saucepan and whisk to incorporate. Pro tip: Allow the cocoa powder and milk to hydrate for a a minute or so before mixing; it will incorporate much more smoothly.

Hot chocolate mixed together in a saucepan on a red stripped towel.

Step 2: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches your preferred temperature. Don’t boil!

Two mugs of healthy hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows and whipped cream. The mugs are surrounded by greenery and a candle.

Step 3: Pour into two mugs and enjoy!

Tips

A tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolatey flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Everyone’s sweet tooth is different. Start with less maple syrup or sugar and add more as needed.
Don’t let your cocoa boil. Boiling the milk can affect the texture of the drink.
Froth it up! Blend, whisk, or use a milk frother to make it extra creamy.
Use full fat milk for the best flavor and feel. You could also use dairy-free milk like oat milk, almond milk or coconut milk. Just don’t use full-fat coconut milk from a can. It’s too thick.

How to serve

Serve your healthy hot chocolate freshly heated and freshly whisked/frothed for the best creamy texture.
Garnish with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, a pinch of cinnamon, or be extra and toss in a candy cane for stirring.
Have a DIY hot cocoa bar at your next party. A few options for your cocoa bar could be dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, homemade marshmallows, heavy cream, candy canes, caramel sauce, sea salt for sprinkling on top.

Storage

If you make a big batch for a party and have leftovers, pour into a mason jar or other airtight container, cover with a lid, and store in the fridge. It will be good for a few days.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, though we recommend a creamy non-dairy milk like coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can also try almond milk, but it might not be as luxuriously creamy.

Can I swap the maple syrup for something else?

Sure! Honey, brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even cane sugar will work. But we love how the maple syrup tastes in this recipe.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Of course. Cut the recipe in half to make a single serving.

What makes a hot chocolate “healthy”?

A hot chocolate is considered healthy when it uses natural, minimally processed ingredients — such as natural sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup) — instead of refined sugar, and no artificial flavorings.

Like this recipe? Try out these other warm drink ideas:

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back, comment on the post, and give it 5 stars! Please and thank you. Tag me on Instagram @ablossominglife.