Hot Cocoa Recipe with Cacao powder

Homemade hot cocoa with cacao powder is a perfect drink for chilly weather. An easy to make recipe this is rich, chocolaty and delicious that both kids and adults will enjoy..

Raw cacao powder is unprocessed, so it retains important nutrients like manganese, iron, calcium, fiber and protein. But you can definitely use regular cocoa powder as well.

About the Recipe

I think most kids love chocolate and my kids are definitely chocolate lovers. They love this chocolate custard and this vegan chocolate cake.

Once the chilly weather starts, all they want is something warm in the afternoons. I make them this hot cocoa as their after-school snack. All you need is 3 ingredients to make this decadent drink.

I love using raw cacao powder to make this hot cocoa drink. As the name suggests, raw cacao powder is raw without any unwanted sugars or additives. It is unprocessed, so it retains important nutrients like manganese, iron, calcium, fiber and protein.

You can use raw cacao powder to make brownies, cookies, cakes and just about anything that you would bake with regular cocoa powder.

An easy cold weather drink that is rich, chocolaty and comforting. Do try this and I am sure it will warm you up on a chilly day.

Ingredients

For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

Here are the ingredients you need to make this hot cocoa drink recipe:

• Raw Cacao powder - gives the most rich chocolaty flavor to the hot cocoa. But you can definitely make it with regular cocoa powder. Use unsweetened cocoa powder, the best quality you can find.
• Milk - I use 2% milk, but if you only have whole milk on hand, then go ahead and use it. If you want to make vegan hot cocoa, then I recommend using unsweetened oat or almond milk.
• Sweetener - I use regular white sugar but feel free to use maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Vanilla extract, optional but I highly recommend it.

Toppings are my kids favorite part of this recipe. Here are a few hot chocolate topping ideas:

• Whipped cream
• Vegan marshmallows

Instructions

For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

Here is how to make this hot cocoa drink using cacao powder:

In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cacao powder and sugar. Whisk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a slow simmer on medium-low flame, about 4~6 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour into mugs and serve right away with an optional dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with cocoa powder.

Expert Tips

• I recommend using raw cacao powder for the gives the most rich chocolaty flavor to the hot cocoa. But you can definitely make it with regular cocoa powder. Find the best quality unsweetened cocoa powder you can find.
• I use 2% milk to make this hot cocoa. But if you only have whole milk on hand, then go ahead and use it.
• If you want to make vegan hot cocoa, then I recommend using unsweetened oat or almond milk.
• You can sweeten this raw cacao hot chocolate with white sugar or use maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Make this hot cocoa just before serving. But you also make it ahead of time, cool completely and store in the fridge. Warm it until heated through right before serving.

You might also like

Here are a few more warm weather recipes that you might like:

I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

Recipe Card