Hot Chocolate on a cold day makes everything seem warm.

Who doesn't love something warm and chocolaty on a chilly day! Any day is actually perfect for Hot cocoa...but, wait! Would that be Hot Chocolate or Hot Cocoa? Is there a difference? Well, both are delightful, but before we get into some amazing recipes for hot beverages...let's see what's behind the terms for Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa. As long as there's chocolate, most people are all in! (While I am writing about hot cocoa...I will shamelessly tell you in our 1875 historic bank lobby of our shop Millie McKeever's Vintage & Home Decor...we have a small coffee bar that also serves gourmet hot cocoa! Salted caramel has been the best seller! So, while not an authority...I've learned a lot!)

What is Hot Cocoa?
Hot cocoa is typically made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. The cocoa powder is derived from chocolate liquor that has had most of its cocoa butter removed, resulting in a lighter, less rich ingredient. When mixed with milk and sweetener, hot cocoa has a thinner consistency and is usually much sweeter than its counterpart. This makes it a favorite for those who love sweet beverages and want a lighter chocolate flavor.

What is Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is made by melting actual chocolate—either in bar or chip form—into milk or water. Because it uses whole chocolate (which contains cocoa butter), hot chocolate tends to be richer, creamier, and has a thicker texture. The chocolate used typically already contains sugar, so there’s often no need to add extra sweetener, though it depends on the type of chocolate you choose. Hot chocolate is perfect for those who prefer a more decadent, robust chocolate flavor.

Hot Cocoa or Hot Chocolate? If you LOVE sweets...hot cocoa is going to be your go to. If you prefer richer flavors, you may find Hot Chocolate is your preferred drink. Regardless of your preference...we've got some pretty awesome recipes that are guaranteed to warm you up...inside and out! 

Tips:
If you have dairy concerns, or want to make your hot chocolate or hot cocoa a little healthier...but not sacrifice taste, here's a few tips - 
  • Swap the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to taste.
  • When selecting milk...remember, the higher the percentage of fat in your milk, the creamier your final product will be. Most select 2% or whole milk. 
  • For diary free...exchange the regular milk with your favorite nut, soy, or almond milk.
  • Add a shot of Vanilla at the end. Vanilla contains alcohol and it evaporates and cooks down when heated. When making hot cocoa it's best to add the vanilla at the end so it does not evaporate and lose it's flavor.  Adding Vanilla at the beginning will make it completely disappear by the time your drink is ready. ​
  • If you have leftovers, store in an airtight glass jar for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

​Here's some fun recipes to try out!

Best Ever Hot Chocolate!

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  1. Combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring, until smooth.
  2. Add the milk and continue to stir over medium heat, be sure not to boil.
  3. Once the cocoa has reached the desired temperature, remove from heat, stir in the vanilla (optional) and pour into mugs.
  4. Top with your choice of whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles -whatever makes your heart happy. 
  5. Grab a book, or a friend...and enjoy! 

Hot Cocoa & Hot Chocolate...Best of Both! 

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  1. ​Add milk, sugar, and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture just begins to bubble but does not boil.
  3. Add chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired! Makes approximately 4 servings. 

Hazelnut and Chocolate Hot Cocoa

  • 4 Tablespoons Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, (recommend Nutella)
  • 16 Ounces Whole Milk
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, (save a little extra for a sprinkle of garnish)
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  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate hazelnut spread, milk, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon.
  2. Next, heat the mixture over medium heat for about five to seven minutes. Stir constantly to make sure all the ingredients blend. Let the hot cocoa begin to steam.
  3. When done, pour into cups and serve. Suggested garnish - sprinkle of ground cinnamon, whipped cream, or even chocolate shavings that will melt and give it an even creamier taste! 

Decadent French Hot Chocolate

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder optional, but delicious for intensifying chocolate flavor
  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate at least 70%, chopped*
  • Suggested...large bowl of whipped cream for serving​
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
  2. Remove saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted, returning the sauce to low heat if needed for the chocolate to melt completely.
  3. Suggested serving - top with lots of whipped cream.

Perfect Peppermint Hot Cocoa

  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup hot water
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
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  1. Combine cocoa, sugar, water, and salt to a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, constantly stir until the mixture boils.
  2. Stir continually for 1 minute. Stir in the milk and heat, but do not boil. Remove from the heat, add vanilla and peppermint extract and mix well. 
So many great Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate recipes for you to try! And...now you know the difference between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate! But the most important thing is having a good book while sipping, or even someone special to share it with!