BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (2024)

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is curl up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa and spend the evening relaxing and this is one of my favorite white hot chocolate recipes.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (1)

This white hot chocolate makes those evenings feel even more decadent with an easy, but velvety blend of milk, chocolate vanilla and toppings. Perfect for snow days, holidays or a random cold day in the winter season.

My preferred hot beverage of choice? Creamy white hot chocolate! It’s rich and decadent with a subtle chocolate flavor that’s not overpowering and a whole lot cheaper than buying it at the local coffee shop.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (2)

Why You’ll Love This White Hot Chocolate

A hot drink that’s full of vanilla flavor with the perfect creamy consistency- what’s not to love!

  • Great for the holiday season – This delicious drink will warm you to the core, and can certainly be dressed up with peppermint candies to ring in the holiday cheer.
  • Only 3 ingredients – With milk, white chips and vanilla, you have all you need to make this favorite white chocolate recipe.
  • Easy to customize – This is a very basic recipe that can be modified and dressed up to create your own hot white chocolate.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (3)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (4)

Is White Chocolate Really Chocolate?

Did you know white chocolate doesn’t actually have any chocolate in it? There are no cocoa liquors or chocolate solids in white chocolate, unlike those found in milk and dark chocolate. It is actually made from cocoa butter so it has a very different flavor profile.

Some chocolate lovers like to argue that it’s not “real” chocolate but I say it’s all a technicality and white chocolate hot chocolate is one of the best homemade hot chocolates.

For this easy recipe, all you need is white chocolate (I prefer to splurge on the “fancier” brands), milk and vanilla extract for one of the best hot drinks ever!

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (5)

Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients to make this easy white hot chocolate that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

  • Milk – Whole milk gives the richest beverage, but any fat content can be used. You can even use a dairy free milk if needed.
  • White chocolate – Use a good quality chocolate which can be white chocolate chips or bar chocolate. It does best when added in smaller pieces.
  • Vanilla extract – I also like to use a good quality vanilla extract. After all, it’s the main flavor of this sweet treat.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (6)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (7)

How to Make White Hot Chocolate

You are going to love how simple it is to make this easy white hot chocolate recipe.

  1. Heat milk. Heat the milk in a heavy bottom medium saucepan over medium heat, but no higher. It needs to be the right temperature to melt the chocolate, but not create scalded milk. Whole milk gives the richest beverage, but any fat content can be used.
  2. Add chocolate and vanilla. Reduce the milk to low heat and add the white chocolate and vanilla extract, stirring until completely melted. Use a good quality chocolate which can be white chocolate chips or bar chocolate. One cup equals 8 ounces. It does best when added in smaller pieces. Do not let it sit or the chocolate will sink and potentially burn.
  3. Remove from heat and serve. Remove from the heat and ladle into cups while hot.
  4. Add garnishes. Garnish with toppings of choice, peppermint whipped cream or peppermint sticks or homemade hot chocolate sticks.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (8)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (9)

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

You’ll see a lot of recipes out there for slow cooker or crockpot hot chocolate and quite frankly, there is no benefit to actually cooking your hot chocolate in a slow cooker versus on the stove. In fact, it might take longer.

The only pro is the nearly 100% certainty that it won’t scald, but to do that you still need to stir it every so often.

However, if you are serving white hot chocolate at a party and want to keep it at the optimal temperature for a long period of time, feel free to keep it in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (10)

Variations

In my opinion, homemade white chocolate hot chocolate is a great drink to serve around the holidays. It’s family-friendly and kids LOVE it, especially when you add in some hot chocolate stir sticks.

  • Alcohol – And if you want to make it not-so-kid-friendly? Both Kahlua and Irish cream taste AMAZING with white hot chocolate!
  • Change the flavor – Or you can make into a Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate or Almond White Hot Chocolate with just a couple of modifications.
  • Regular hot chocolate – Change the chocolate to milk chocolate, dark chocolate or even a blend of chocolates.
  • Dairy free milk – Swap out dairy milk for non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk.
  • Hot chocolate bar – Make it into a hot chocolate bar so friends can build their own creation.
  • Toppings – Top your whipped cream with white chocolate mocha sauce, regular white chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, mini marshmallows, a white chocolate bar or fudge.
  • Grinch Style– Make this into a Grinch Hot Chocolate with a little food coloring.
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (11)

Double Batches, Make Ahead & Storage

Double batch: One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to double, triple or even quadruple. This particular recipe makes 4 servings but can easily serve a large group of guests too.

Make ahead: It can be made ahead and simply reheated, but since it really just involves 3 ingredients, it isn’t much of a bother.

Freezer: Homemade hot chocolate can also be frozen in individual freezer bags and thawed for a quick cup.

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (12)
BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (13)

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use cocoa powder?

This type of recipe doesn’t lend well to cocoa powder. It won’t disintegrate and will remain grainy. Instead, use real chocolate chips, the same amount.

Can I use heavy cream or whipping cream?

I wouldn’t use all of either. You can use half & half though. Cream will be super heavy and probably give you a massive tummy ache!

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (14)

More Easy Drink Recipes

  • Wassail Hot Toddy
  • Holiday Whiskey Fizz
  • Red Sangria
  • Peppermint Patty co*cktail

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BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (20)

Homemade White Hot Chocolate Recipe

4.43 from 182 votes

Homemade White Hot Chocolate is the perfect drink for warming up on cold days. White chocolate hot chocolate is delicious, quick and easy to make!

Prep Time: 2 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 12 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Print RecipePin Recipe SaveRate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup white chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Toppings of Choice
  • Hot Chocolate Stir Sticks
  • Peppermint Whipped Cream

Instructions

  • Heat the milk in a heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat, but do not boil.

  • Reduce to low heat and add the white chocolate chips and vanilla extract, stirring until completely melted.

  • Remove from heat and ladle into cups while hot.

  • Garnish with toppings of choice and whipped cream.

  • If you've tried this recipe, come on back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Notes

If you want to make this into a white hot chocolate co*cktail, stir in 1 ounce kahlua or Irish creme.

Nutrition

Calories: 394 kcal, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 22 g, Saturated Fat: 13 g, Cholesterol: 33 mg, Sodium: 145 mg, Potassium: 450 mg, Sugar: 39 g, Vitamin A: 410 IU, Vitamin C: 0.2 mg, Calcium: 365 mg, Iron: 0.2 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 394

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: homemade white hot chocolate

Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

BEST White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Creamy White Hot Cocoa!) (2024)

FAQs

What does Starbucks use for their white hot chocolate? ›

Ingredients. Milk, White Chocolate Mocha Sauce [Sugar, Condensed Skim Milk, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Sorbate, Monoglycerides], Whipped Cream [Cream (Cream, Milk, Mono And Diglycerides, Carrageenan), Vanilla Syrup (Sugar, Water, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid)].

What is the difference between hot chocolate and white hot chocolate? ›

White hot chocolate is made with white chocolate, which contains cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, and flavorings. Regular hot chocolate is made with dark or milk chocolate, which contains cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. White hot chocolate has a creamier and sweeter flavor compared to regular hot chocolate.

How do you thicken white hot chocolate? ›

Rice Flour or Arrowroot Powder: These can act as thickening agents, similar to cornflour. Again, mix with a little cold liquid to create a paste and then stir into the hot chocolate.

What is white hot chocolate made of? ›

Simply heat milk with vanilla extract, add white chocolate, and whisk until it's smooth and creamy. You can use any kind of dairy or non-dairy milk, but it's important to use quality white chocolate in a recipe this simple—this is not the time to use baking chips.

What is Starbucks white chocolate sauce made of? ›

INGREDIENTS. Sugar, Milk, Cream, High Oleic Soy Oil, Skim Milk Powder, Buttermilk Powder, Natural Flavour, Gellan Gum.

What is the difference between white hot chocolate and hot chocolate at Starbucks? ›

The primary difference between white hot chocolate and a traditional hot chocolate beverage is the type of chocolate used to make the drink. Regular hot chocolate has a classic chocolate flavor, while white hot chocolate has a sweeter and creamier taste without the traditional cocoa taste.

Is White hot chocolate good for you? ›

White chocolate contains several potential health benefits, including the presence of antioxidants and the potential to improve mood and cognitive function. However, it is important to consume white chocolate in moderation, as it is high in calories, sugar, and fat.

What are the health benefits of white hot chocolate? ›

Magnesium, calcium, and potassium are all found in white chocolate, and they can help regulate your blood pressure, help your blood vessels, support bone health, and even improve your digestive system. Additionally, it contains zinc which helps boost immunity and iron for healthy red blood cell production.

Is hot chocolate better with milk or water? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

How do you melt white chocolate and make it creamy? ›

Place white chocolate chunks or pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat no more than 20 seconds at a time. Each time you heat the chocolate, take it out of the microwave and stir. Continue to heat and stir until the white chocolate is fully melted—remember, it is easy to burn white chocolate.

What can I add to white chocolate to make it runny? ›

A small amount of oil (like vegetable or canola oil) or butter can be added to the white chocolate as it's melting. The oil or butter will help to thin the melting chocolate, creating a perfect consistency for dipping or drizzling. I recommend using 2 teaspoons of oil or butter for every 8 ounces of chocolate.

Why is my white chocolate hardening? ›

Overheating chocolate (anything over 46°C will do it), adding cold substances or getting any liquid (even a teaspoon) into melted chocolate can make chocolate seize up in this way because the sugars in the chocolate lump together and separate from the fat, rather than harmoniously melding together as happens in ...

Who invented white hot chocolate? ›

The origin of white chocolate is, to a large extent, not clear. However, the consensus is that Nestle started the production of white chocolate commercially in 1936. It was one of their ways of utilizing excess milk powder during World War I.

Can you get white chocolate cocoa powder? ›

Simply Luxury White Chocolate Powder 1kg

The slightly sweeter nature of white chocolate gives a rich flavour and a real chocolate hit. This large 1kg container represents great value for money and makes it ideal for general catering use. Try using this to make hot white cocoa - delicious!

How much white hot chocolate for one serving? ›

Heat 200ml (about one large mug) of milk in a saucepan on the hob, or in a large mug in the microwave. Make sure it doesn't boil as this will affect the taste. Add around 8 teaspoons of 28% White hot chocolate flakes. You can experiment with the quantity of flakes based on your taste.

What hot chocolate powder does Starbucks use? ›

Enjoy an indulgent-tasting mug of STARBUCKS Signature Chocolate 42% Cocoa Powder to round off your evening. Inspired by the STARBUCKS Hot Chocolate you love, we've crafted this velvety and smooth hot chocolate powder for you to prepare at home. Our selected cocoa powder delivers a velvety and smooth chocolate taste.

What is the white chocolate at Starbucks? ›

The white chocolate syrup is made with white chocolate, sugar, and water. It is what gives the white mocha coffee its signature flavor. The steamed milk adds creaminess and sweetness to the drink, while the whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.

What does Starbucks put in their hot chocolate? ›

Starbucks makes its hot chocolate with mocha syrup that's used for a variety of other drinks in the store. A barista combines mocha syrup with a couple squirts of vanilla syrup and heated milk, and he then finishes off the drink with a sweet pile of whipped cream.

Does Starbucks white hot chocolate have milk? ›

What's included. Hot chocolate taken to a new level—flavors of caramelized white chocolate combined with steamed milk and finished with whipped cream, festive holiday sugar sparkles and crispy white pearls.

References

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