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Denny’s Famous Hot Chocolate

Denny’s Hot Chocolate Recipe with Whipped Cream Topping

Mary
This copycat Denny’s hot chocolate recipe is rich, smooth, and finished with whipped cream—just like the comforting favorite from the diner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heat‑resistant spatula
  • Serving mugs
  • Spoon or piping bag

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk or any milk of your choice
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons semi‑sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream

Instructions
 

  • Warm the Milk: Pour whole milk (or your preferred milk) into a saucepan and heat gently over medium‑low. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
    Warm the Milk: Pour whole milk (or your preferred milk) into a saucepan and heat gently over medium‑low. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
  • Add Cocoa and Sugar: Whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and the cocoa is fully dissolved.
    Add Cocoa and Sugar: Whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and the cocoa is fully dissolved.
  • Enrich with Chocolate: Drop in a few pieces of semi‑sweet chocolate or chocolate chips. Stir until melted, giving the drink a richer, creamier body.
    Enrich with Chocolate: Drop in a few pieces of semi‑sweet chocolate or chocolate chips. Stir until melted, giving the drink a richer, creamier body.
  • Balance the Flavor: Add a small splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This rounds out the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
    Balance the Flavor
  • Serve with Whipped Cream: Pour into mugs, top with a swirl of whipped cream, and let it melt slightly into the cocoa for that signature diner‑style finish.
    Serve with Whipped Cream: Pour into mugs, top with a swirl of whipped cream, and let it melt slightly into the cocoa for that signature diner‑style finish.
Keyword copycat hot chocolate recipe, Denny’s hot chocolate, diner hot cocoa, whipped cream hot chocolate