This easy hot cocoa is simple to make and so delicious! It’s decadent, yet free of dairy, gluten, & grains. Paleo and vegan friendly too.
In the winter time, I usually keep a mug of some hot drink in hand at all times. Coffee is my morning drink, followed by my cup of tea in the afternoon. The evening is saved for hot chocolate, which we always make homemade and sip on while we watch cheesy holiday movies. There’s just something so cozy about big mug of cocoa, especially while snuggled under a fluffy blanket! I’ve been waiting for the temps to drop so we can enjoy the fireplace too, but it’s been 60+ degrees here, so the only fireplace we’ve been able to use is the one on Netflix. 🙄
This hot chocolate is a family favorite. It’s perfect as is, but even better with a big dollop of coconut whipped cream on top. My daughter, who doesn’t like coconut, likes a handful of marshmallows in hers instead. Whichever version you prefer, this classic hot chocolate is simple, decadent, and comforting, like a big hug in a mug! Enjoy!
Easy Hot Chocolate
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
This hot cocoa is simple to make and so delicious! It’s rich yet free of dairy, gluten, grains, and refined sugar!
Ingredients
- 1/3–1/2 cup coconut sugar
or natural cane sugar
(use more or less to taste)
- 1/4–1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (use more for a richer tasting hot chocolate. Can also use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- 4 cups almond milk or other milk of choice
- coconut whipped cream, optional (recipe below)
- chocolate shavings, optional
or natural 
(use more or less to taste)
Coconut Whipped Cream:
- 1 can full fat coconut milk
*, refrigerated overnight
- 2–3 teaspoons maple syrup
or other sweetener, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
, optional
*, refrigerated overnight
or other sweetener, to taste
, optionalInstructions
- Place chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt into a large saucepan and whisk until well blended. Pour in milk and stir until blended. Heat over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until chocolate and sugar are dissolved, about 4–5 minutes.
- Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Makes 2–3 servings.
Coconut Whipped Cream:
- Scoop hardened coconut cream out of the can and place into a mixing bowl. Discard or reserve the liquid left in the can for another purpose.
- Add sweetener and vanilla and beat with an hand mixer
until fluffy. Top each mug of hot chocolate with a scoop of whipped coconut cream.
until fluffy. Top each mug of hot chocolate with a scoop of whipped coconut cream.Notes
*Can also use 1 cup heavy whipping cream, if not dairy-free. After you add the sweetener and vanilla, beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Category: Dairy Free, Vegan,
You may also enjoy these similar recipes:
Easy Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate with Homemade Honey Marshmallows
Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
Lavender Hot Chocolate
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Hey Joscelyn, guess what even I like tea and coffee very much. And as far as hot chocolate is concerned, I never tried it. I thought of making hot chocolate many times but never got a chance to make it. But this weekend, this is something I will definitely make. Lovely sharing my dear friend.
Extremely sorry Joscelyn for the typo, multitasking can at times be dangerous. 🙁
Aw no worries. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I hope you’re having a wonderful week my friend! xoxo
This looks so rich, creamy, and delicious! Hot chocolate is the best!
Yes it is. Thank you friend. Merry Christmas!
Wow, these are incredible! I’m definitely going to try the lavender hot chocolate. Also, the homemade honey marshmallows. Amazing.
The lavender and marshmallows are so good. Please let me know how you like them if you try them!
Ahhh that’s definitely my kind of hot chocolate since I’m in love with almond milk <3 Plus I love your beautiful photos and the video! I'm going to try it. It must be so delicious, nice and warm. Perfect for cold winter evenings.
Hi Anna, thank you for the kindness. Please let me know if you try it out. I’d love to hear what you thought. Have a wonderful evening!
You sure do take amazing pictures! It’s 1am where I live and I’m dying to get some hot chocolate;)))
Thank you Karolina! I really appreciate the encouragement!
YUM! This hot chocolate looks so comforting and delicious – perfect for Christmas ♥
This sounds delicious! I feel like the chocolate shavings on too really make it look fancy.
Thank you Emily!
I love hot chocolate but I prefer an adult version with a little libation. Some of have best hot chocolate I had was in South Africa with Amarula. Yum
That sounds really tasty. Thanks for sharing, Cristine!