Chocolate chips hot chocolate is a delicious and unique twist on a classic winter beverage. This easy hot chocolate recipe only takes a few minutes and two ingredients to make.
Chocolate and warm beverages go together like peanut butter and jelly. They just belong together. This recipe for hot chocolate with real chocolate chips is the perfect way to get your chocolate fix. The chocolate chips melt in your mouth and the hot chocolate is velvety smooth with rich flavor.
There is nothing better than creamy homemade hot chocolate on cold winter days.
This is the best hot chocolate recipe. I know that you will want to make it again and again. It is just as easy as making a glass of chocolate milk or instant hot chocolate packets. The taste is so much better than hot cocoa packets and only takes about a minute more to make.
If you love a good mocha try this easy Hot Chocolate Coffee Recipe next! Or go all out and make some Hot Chocolate Bombs.
Ingredients
This delicious recipe really just needs two simple ingredients.
Chocolate Chips - We like to use a combination of milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. You want enough sweetness from the chocolate since you aren't adding sugar but you also want a deep chocolate flavor. This combo helps you to get the best of both.
Whole Milk - The fat content of whole milk is what makes this rich and creamy. 2% milk will work but I don't recommend using lower fat milks like 1% or skim milk.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Chocolate Chips Hot Chocolate
Step One: Combine the milk and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe mug.
Step Two: Heat for 2 minutes in the microwave. You want the milk to be just hot enough to melt the chocolate.
Step Three: Whisk until it is smooth and all the chocolate chips have melted. If you would like it hotter you can microwave for an additional 30-60 seconds at this point.
Step Four: Top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
If you have any leftover hot chocolate store in the fridge.
Top Tip
You can also make this in a small saucepan. Just mix the hot milk with the chocolate. For a large group, make it in a slow cooker or crockpot!
Variations
Chocolate Bar - If you need to you can chop up a bar of chocolate and use that in place of the chips.
Sugar-Free - To make this without added sugar just use sugar-free chocolate chips. You may need to add a bit of extra sweetener since some are not that sweet.
White Hot Cocoa - Try our Starbucks White Hot Chocolate.
Mint Hot Cocoa - Stir in some crushed peppermint candies or candy cane. Or you can add a dash of peppermint extract.
Dairy-Free Vegan Hot Cocoa - Just use dairy-free chocolate chips, almond milk, and coconut milk. I like to use half canned full-fat coconut milk and half unsweetened almond milk.
Caramel Swirl - Stir in a bit of caramel sauce for some caramel flavor and then drizzle more on top of the whipped cream!
Maple White Hot Chocolate - Use white chocolate chips (cut the amount used in half) and add a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Common Questions
What kind of chocolate chips can I use?
You can really use just about any combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips. Since you are only making one mug full at a time you can customize the combination to suit each person's tastebuds.
Can I make this creamy hot chocolate recipe in a saucepan?
Sure! If you don't want to use the microwave just add the chocolate chips and milk to a small pot and whisk as they heat up. Be careful not to scorch the chocolate chip hot chocolate.
What can I add to hot chocolate to make it better?
You can add a pinch of salt or a dash of vanilla extract. For extra chocolate flavor add a tablespoon of cocoa powder. Or check out all the variations I have listed above. Homemade whipped cream made from whipping heavy cream is the best topping.
Does milk need to boil for hot chocolate?
The short answer is no, milk does not need to boil for hot chocolate. The milk just needs to be heated until it is steaming.
How do you make hot chocolate with milk without curdling it?
When making hot chocolate with milk, it is important to avoid curdling the milk. This can be done by heating the milk slowly and carefully, stirring frequently. If the milk begins to curdle, it can be saved by adding a spoonful of cold milk and whisking vigorously.
What toppings are good for hot chocolate?
Besides whipped cream and mini chocolate chips as shown in the photos, you can use mini marshmallows or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream! And then drizzle on some chocolate syrup for an out-of-this-world treat.
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Chips Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole milk
- 6 tbsp chocolate chips ***
Instructions
- Combine the milk and chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave for 2 minutes.
- Whisk until the chocolate has melted. Top with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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Originally Published November 2, 2022. Revised and Republished March 17, 2025.
Katie says
So delicious and perfect for these cold fall nights! Great chocolatey flavor too.
Gina says
This is such a great recipe! There is nothing like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day! I plan on making this often throughout the winter!