Description
A quick and comforting single-serve hot cocoa recipe made with pantry staples that delivers rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture in minutes, perfect for a cozy solo treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener) to taste
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk or dairy alternative (such as oat, almond, or whole milk)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Cinnamon or shaved chocolate (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the Milk: Heat 1 cup of milk or your chosen milk alternative in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. This creates the creamy base for your cocoa.
- Mix Cocoa and Sugar: In your favorite mug, combine 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar, depending on your sweetness preference, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk Together: Pour about 2 tablespoons of the warm milk into the cocoa mixture and whisk briskly to create a smooth paste without lumps, ensuring rich flavor in every sip.
- Combine and Heat Through: Stir the cocoa paste back into the remaining warm milk and continue heating gently if needed, stirring until hot and fully combined.
- Add Vanilla and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, then pour into your mug if you mixed in a saucepan. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
Notes
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor and richness.
- Warm milk slowly to avoid boiling and a burnt taste.
- Whisk cocoa and sugar first into a smooth paste to avoid lumps.
- Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240 ml)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: hot cocoa, hot chocolate, single serve, cozy drink, easy hot cocoa, chocolate drink, dairy alternative, gluten free