A rich, chocolatey hot cocoa that’s elevated with the addition of chocolate chips for extra chocolate decadence. This easy hot chocolate recipe comes together in about 5 minutes and is the ultimate cozy winter drink. Great for kids and adults alike.
Hot Cocoa Recipe With Chocolate Chips
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serving Size: Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1⁄4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or marshmallows, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Bring the milk just to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- Add the chocolate chips, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. Whisk until fully combined and the chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, whisking frequently, until the cocoa is hot with tiny bubbles around the edges. Do not let it come to a full boil.
- Remove from heat and pour into two mugs. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
For an extra indulgent drink, try substituting heavy cream for half of the milk. Enjoy this velvety, chocolatey cocoa on a cold winter night!
Nutrition facts of Hot Cocoa Recipe With Chocolate Chips:
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Sodium | 99mg |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 8g |
7 Health benefits of Hot Cocoa Recipe With Chocolate Chips:
1. high in protein:
The cocoa powder used in this recipe is also rich in protein. One 12-ounce mug of this drink packs about 15 grams of protein.
2. rich iron content:
Besides protein and magnesium, iron is also found in this drink. The iron content is high enough to help your digestive system run smoothly daily.
3. helps boost immunity:
The cocoa powder used in this recipe is known to have a very high level of antioxidants called flavonoids which are excellent immune protectors. Flavonoids can also help to prevent heart diseases and strokes.
4. fights cancer:
Flavonoids are also known to fight cancer in the body. The cocoa powder in Hot Cocoa Recipe With Chocolate Chips contains flavonoids that can help fight cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs, and esophagus.
5. reduces cholesterol:
Another health benefit of cocoa powder is that it has high amounts of polyphenols which reduce the cholesterol levels in our bodies.
6. full of zinc:
Zinc is an essential mineral that helps heal wounds and fight infections and allergies. This mineral is found in Hot Cocoa Recipe With Chocolate Chips, which also includes calcium.
7. keeps you warm:
The Hot Cocoa Recipe With Chocolate Chips recipe includes cocoa powder, which has high amounts of caffeine and theobromine. These two elements help to heat your body during cold winter days.
Can I use melted chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder?
No, using melted chocolate chips will not work in this recipe. Chopped chocolate bars can be melted and used instead of cocoa powder, but the taste will be different.
What can I use if I don’t have cocoa powder?
You can substitute the cocoa powder with ground chocolate or dark chocolate.
What can you add to hot chocolate to make it taste better?
The types of flavors that you may want to add to your hot chocolate include vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and orange extract.
Add 1 tbsp of instant coffee powder and a dash of vanilla extract for a creamier version of this drink.
Do I use sugar-free cocoa powder?
Yes, sugar-free cocoa powders will work in this recipe. However, you must ensure that the powder you use has no additional ingredients, such as stevia or other artificial sweeteners.
How do I melt chocolate chips?
You can melt chocolate chips in a microwave oven or stove top or double-boil them over medium-low heat.
Can I substitute chocolate for cocoa powder?
No, cocoa powder is different from chocolate. Cocoa powder has less sugar and a more robust flavor than chocolate. It is also considered to be much healthier.
To make this recipe sweeter, you can use dark chocolate instead of regular cocoa powder, such as Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder.
Is it ok to leave the drink in the heat?
It was stirring the mixture while heating will ensure that it does not burn while on the heat. You can even leave the drink on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
Is cocoa healthier than chocolate?
Although cocoa powder has more calories and fat than chocolate, these ingredients have the same amount of antioxidants. Although cocoa powder tends to have more fat, it is still recommended to use this ingredient in smaller amounts since too much sugar can be unhealthy.
Can this drink be heated with milk?
No, this drink cannot be heated with milk because milk can adversely affect the amounts of caffeine and flavonoids in the cocoa powder.
What happens if you drink cocoa every day?
Consuming cocoa daily can cause side effects, such as acid reflux, increased blood pressure, stomach bloating, and diarrhea. Cocoa powder also may not be suitable for people sensitive to caffeine.
Is it ok to drink this cocoa on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can drink this cocoa on an empty stomach. The ingredients, such as cocoa powder, have nutrients that help support your body. However, ensure you drink the beverage in moderation since too much chocolate or cocoa could cause adverse side effects.
Conclusion:
The hot Cocoa Recipe With Chocolate Chips is easy to make and tastes yummy! This drink will be an excellent gift for the holidays and other occasions. It is also suitable for people with diabetes since it has the same amount of sugar as milk.