It hasn’t snowed much since we moved, but the kids used to love playing outside for hours when it snowed. In cold weather, coming into a steaming mug of cocoa topped with whipped cream is almost sacred. But I wanted to find an alternative to the traditional hot cocoa mix with added refined sugar and powdered milk.
So I set out to create a healthy, simple, completely homemade version that has a lot more flavor than what I grew up with. This isn’t just a hot chocolate mix recipe, it’s real comfort food in a mug. And once you know how to make good hot chocolate, those packets will never taste the same.
Thanks to this recipe, I am always happy to oblige my kids when they ask for cocoa after hours outside. It has become our version of a classic childhood ritual. And I think this is good to eat because it is made with nutritious hot chocolate ingredients.
The Best Hot Chocolate Recipe (Dairy-Free Option)
This hot chocolate combines cocoa powder, healthy fats, warming spices, and natural sweeteners for a cozy cup of cocoa. You can use organic whole milk for a traditional richness, or coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk has a higher fat content, making it creamier. Gelatin thickens hair and supports hair, nail and gut health.
I prefer maple syrup or honey over refined white or brown sugar. Added natural sweetness, minerals and antioxidants. A little sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor, and a touch of vanilla extract finishes everything off beautifully. Sometimes I shave in a little dark chocolate for an extra rich flavor, and this recipe goes perfectly with cocoa powder and is delicious. No chocolate chips needed.
The secret to good hot chocolate is high-quality chocolate and healthy fats. Adding butter or coconut oil creates the velvety texture that most people associate with melted milk chocolate without the processed ingredients. Even if you need to avoid dairy, coconut milk or coconut oil adds enough fat to recreate the proper texture.
Customization and easy shortcuts
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Prefer something sweeter? Add a little more maple syrup or raw honey. Want something super rich? At the end, add some chopped dark chocolate and stir. For a classic finish, top with real food whipped cream.
If you grew up eating instant packets, you’ll appreciate their deeper, more complex flavor thanks to real cocoa powder, healthy fats, and a pinch of sea salt. Sea salt helps balance the sweetness and reduces the bitterness of the cocoa. Learning how to make good hot chocolate is surprisingly simple.
This is easy to customize to your preferences, and I’d love to hear your variations in the comments. I like to add a little cayenne to a spicy version or frozen raspberries to a berry hot cocoa. This hazelnut hot chocolate recipe is also a family favorite.
Optionally, you can add anti-inflammatory turmeric, hormone-balancing maca root, or antibacterial cinnamon. Cinnamon also gives Mexican hot chocolate its flavor. Homemade Marshmallows with Honey and Gelatin are also a family favorite!
Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just for yourself, treat yourself and your family to this nutritious and healthy hot chocolate.
Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
This delicious real food hot chocolate recipe combines cocoa powder, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners for a satisfying and healthy beverage.
Optional addition
- ½-1 teaspoon maca powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Drizzle with cream or coconut cream for richness (optional)
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Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
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Pour into a small saucepan and heat gently over medium heat, stirring. Do not boil.
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Taste and adjust sweetness or spice.
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Pour into a mug and enjoy warm.
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
Per serving (1 cup)
calorie 241
Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
province 16g25%
8g saturated fat50%
Trans fat 0.5g
2g polyunsaturated fat
5g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 30mg10%
sodium 477mg21%
potassium 276mg8%
carbohydrate 16g5%
6g fiber25%
6g sugar7%
protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 353IU7%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
calcium 361mg36%
steel 2mg11%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Try topping it with whipped cream, coconut cream, or a few marshmallows.
Cocoa for the Crowd
You can make one serving of cocoa in just 2 minutes in your blender or easily scale it up. If you’re making this for a crowd, it also adapts well to a crock pot. Multiply ingredients, mix well and keep warm until ready to serve. Perfect for kids, holiday gatherings, or family nights.
If you want to make gallons for a crowd, here are the adjusted amounts.
- 13 cups of milk
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup gelatin
- 3/4 cup butter or coconut oil
- 1/4-1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (depending on taste)
- 3 TBSP vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3-6 TBSP maca powder (optional)
- 3 teaspoons turmeric (optional)
- 3 TBSP cinnamon (optional)
Don’t have time to make cocoa from scratch? I love using this Organify Gold Chocolate Powder to make healthy and delicious hot chocolate! And these healthy marshmallows work just as well.
What is your favorite warm drink on a cold day? Let us know by leaving a comment!
