Italian Hot Cocoa
Italian Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, good quality
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped, 70% cacao or higher
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. This helps prevent lumps when adding the milk.
⏱️ 2 min
- 2
Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the whole milk into the dry ingredients until a smooth paste forms. This also helps prevent lumps.
⏱️ 1 min
- 3
Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups of whole milk to the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 2 min
- 4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir. Do not let it come to a rolling boil. As it heats, it will begin to thicken slightly due to the cornstarch.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot cocoa is smooth and velvety.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, though Italian hot cocoa is typically not overly sweet. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Italian Hot Cocoa
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, good quality
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped, 70% cacao or higher
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. This helps prevent lumps when adding the milk.
⏱️ 2 min - 2
Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the whole milk into the dry ingredients until a smooth paste forms. This also helps prevent lumps.
⏱️ 1 min - 3
Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups of whole milk to the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir. Do not let it come to a rolling boil. As it heats, it will begin to thicken slightly due to the cornstarch.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot cocoa is smooth and velvety.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, though Italian hot cocoa is typically not overly sweet. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 min