Name: Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar (or to taste); 2-3 teaspoons corn starch; 50 grams dark chocolate (60% cocoa) or mini semisweet chocolate chips; 1 ½ cups milk; ¼ cup mini marshmallows; Whipped cream

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Italian Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy treat that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days. This thick and indulgent beverage combines cocoa and melted dark chocolate for a luxurious sip. Topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, it’s a cozy delight that’s easy to make at home.

A thick, dark brown liquid is being poured from a white cup into another white cup placed on a white saucer, both sitting on a wooden table. The chocolate liquid has a smooth, glossy texture and fills the cup almost to the top. Scattered around the cup on the table are several small, teardrop-shaped chocolate pieces. The background shows another white cup and saucer that are blurred, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or to your liking)
2–3 teaspoons cornstarch
50 grams dark chocolate (60%) or mini semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ cups milk
Optional: ¼ cup mini marshmallows or whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. Mix them thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Step 2: Pour in the cold milk and whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch completely.
Step 3: Add the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips to the mixture.
Step 4: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 5: Continue stirring until the mixture becomes bubbly, thick, and hot.
Step 6: Pour the hot chocolate into cups and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For an extra indulgent flavor, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract for a warm twist.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar to your taste.

Storage

Italian Hot Chocolate is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat while stirring to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven heating.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar with three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and smooth, likely chocolate mix; the middle layer is a coarse white powder, probably sugar or flour; the top layer is made up of small dark brown chocolate chips, and on top of those are irregular small white marshmallows. The jar is placed on a dark wooden surface with part of a red cloth visible in the background and a white plate with more marshmallows blurred in the back. The jar lid is off and hangs from the side, tied with a piece of rough twine. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives you full control over the sweetness and a richer chocolate flavor. Using sweetened cocoa powder may make the hot chocolate too sweet, so adjust the sugar accordingly.

How do I get the hot chocolate thick and creamy like in Italy?

The key is dissolving cornstarch in cold milk before heating and stirring continuously over low heat until it thickens. This creates the signature dense, velvety texture characteristic of Italian hot chocolate.