Up your hot chocolate game this winter with my take on decadent Parisian hot chocolate. It’s richer and more luxurious than the typical American version. But it’s super simple to make with only 4 ingredients (plus your favorite toppings). And the result is a cup of heavenly-tasting, thick hot chocolate that’s sure to chase the winter blues.
The Best French Hot Chocolate
Look, I get it. Why make homemade hot chocolate when it’s so simple just to empty one of those packets into a mug and add warm water and stir, right? This is one of those cases where for just a tad more effort, you’ll be seriously rewarded!
Parisian hot chocolate (le chocolat chaud) is a thick hot chocolate that gets its richness from using the highest quality dark chocolate.
It’s made with whole milk, not cream, some optional powdered sugar (to taste), and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Top with fresh whipped cream along with some chocolate shavings — or your favorite toppings!
Super simple and oh so yummy!
Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make Parisian hot chocolate.
- Whole Milk: I used Alta Dena whole milk in this recipe (it was gifted as part of a sponsored social media post). You can also substitute with plant-based milk if desired.
- High-Quality Dark Chocolate: 70 percent cocoa or more.
- Powdered Sugar (optional)
- Flaky Sea Salt
- Toppings: fresh whipped cream and any other of your favorites like marshmallows, grated chocolate, and/or crushed candy canes.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions:
Here’s how to make thick hot chocolate.
- ADD MILK AND CHOCOLATE TO SAUCEPAN: Add the milk and chocolate to a medium-sized saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, frequently stirring, until the milk is warm and the chocolate is fully melted.
- SWEETEN TO TASTE: Taste, and add a teaspoon or two of sugar if desired. Stir in a pinch of sea salt.
- SERVE: Pour into individual mugs, and top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Traditional Parisian hot chocolate doesn’t have additional toppings, but you should feel free to add any or all of yours! And enjoy!
Recipe Tips:
Plus, here are a few tips for making sure your hot chocolate turns out perfectly every time.
- DON’T BOIL THE MILK: When heating the milk, keep an eye on it. You want to warm it slowly, while frequently stirring, to allow the chocolate to melt. But you don’t want to boil it.
- RE-HEATING: You can make the hot chocolate ahead of time. Cool it to room temperature and then store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. When ready to drink, just slowly reheat the mixture over low heat.
- HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM: Whip 1 cup cold heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for 3-4 minutes until medium peaks form.
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The Best Homemade Parisian Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sip away the winter blues with some luxurious Parisian hot chocolate. It’s richer and thicker than typical hot chocolate. But easy to make!
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 5 ounces chopped high-quality dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa or more)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
- Toppings: fresh whipped cream, marshmallows, grated chocolate, crushed candy canes
Instructions
- ADD MILK AND CHOCOLATE TO SAUCEPAN: Add the milk and chocolate to a medium-sized saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, frequently stirring, until the milk is warm and the chocolate is fully melted.
- SWEETEN TO TASTE: Taste, and add a teaspoon or two of sugar if desired. Stir in a pinch of sea salt.
- SERVE & ENJOY: Pour into individual mugs, and top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Traditional Parisian hot chocolate doesn’t have additional toppings, but you should feel free to add any or all of yours! And enjoy!
Notes
DON’T BOIL THE MILK: When heating the milk, keep an eye on it. You want to warm it slowly, while frequently stirring, to allow the chocolate to melt. But you don’t want to boil it.
RE-HEATING: You can make the hot chocolate ahead of time. Cool it to room temperature and then store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. When ready to drink, just slowly reheat the mixture over low heat.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM: Whip 1 cup cold heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for 3-4 minutes until medium peaks form.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: french