We don’t get much snow since we moved (or any!), but back in the day the kids loved playing outside for hours when it snowed. There’s something almost sacred about coming in from the cold to a mug of steaming cocoa topped with whipped cream. However, I wanted to find an alternative to conventional hot cocoa mix loaded with refined sugar and powdered milk.

So I set out to create a healthy, simple, and completely homemade version that tastes even richer than what I grew up with. This isn’t just another hot chocolate mix recipe, it’s real food comfort in a mug. And once you know how to make good hot chocolate, the packets just don’t taste the same. 

Thanks to this recipe, I’m always happy to oblige when my kids ask for cocoa after hours outside. It’s become our version of the classic childhood ritual. And this one is made with nourishing hot chocolate ingredients I feel good about serving.

The Best Hot Chocolate Recipe (Option for Dairy Free)

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 swap in coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk is higher in fat to make it even creamier. Gelatin helps thicken and adds hair, nail, and gut health benefits.

Instead of refined white or brown sugar, I prefer maple syrup or honey. They add natural sweetness, minerals, and antioxidants.  A pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor, and a splash of vanilla extract rounds everything out beautifully. Sometimes I’ll shave in a bit of dark chocolate for extra richness, but this recipe works perfectly with cocoa powder and is delicious, no chocolate chips required.

The secret to good hot chocolate is quality chocolate and healthy fats. Adding butter or coconut oil creates that velvety texture most people associate with melted milk chocolate, without the processed ingredients. And if you need to avoid dairy, coconut milk or coconut oil still adds enough fat to recreate the right texture. 

Customizations and Easy Shortcuts

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Prefer it sweeter? Add a touch more maple syrup or raw honey. Want it ultra-rich? Stir in a little chopped dark chocolate at the end. For a classic finish, top with real-food whipped cream.

If you grew up on instant packets, this will taste deeper and more complex thanks to real cocoa powder, healthy fats, and that pinch of sea salt. Sea salt helps balance out the sweetness and it reduces any bitterness in the cocoa. Learning how to make good hot chocolate is surprisingly simple. 

This can be easily customized to your preferences and I’d love to hear your variations in the comments. I love adding a dash of cayenne for a spicy version or some frozen raspberries for berry hot cocoa. This hazelnut hot chocolate recipe is also a family favorite.

Optionally you can also add in some anti-inflammatory turmeric, hormone balancing maca root, or antimicrobial cinnamon. Cinnamon also makes it taste like Mexican hot chocolate. Homemade marshmallows with honey and gelatin are also a family favorite!

Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just yourself, treat yourself (and family!) to some of this nourishing, 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 drink.

Optional Additions

• ½-1 tsp maca powder (optional)
• ¼ tsp turmeric (optional)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• splash of cream or coconut cream for richness (optional)

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

• Pour into a small saucepan and warm gently over medium heat while stirring. Don’t boil.

• Taste and adjust sweetness or spices.

• Pour into a mug and enjoy warm.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 241
Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 477mg21%

Potassium 276mg8%

Carbohydrates 16g5%

Fiber 6g25%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 353IU7%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 361mg36%

Iron 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 a Crowd

You can make a single serving of cocoa in just two minutes in the blender, or easily scale it. It also adapts well to a Crock Pot if you’re making this for a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients, whisk well, and keep warm until ready to serve. It’s perfect for kids, holiday gatherings, or family night.  

If you want to make a gallon for a crowd here are the adjusted amounts:

• 13 cups milk
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup gelatin
• 3/4 cup butter or coconut oil
• 1/4-1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (to taste)
• 3 TBSP vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 3-6 TBSP maca powder (optional)
• 3 tsp turmeric (optional)
• 3 TBSP cinnamon (optional)

No time to make cocoa from scratch? I like using this Organifi Gold chocolate powder to make healthy and delicious hot chocolate! And these healthy marshmallows work well too. 

What’s your favorite warm drink on cold days? Leave a comment and let us know!