A warm drink, a favourite mug and something good to read: sometimes that is enough of a plan. This simple hot chocolate uses cocoa powder rather than a ready-made drinking chocolate mix, so you can adjust the sweetness yourself.
Makes: 2 servings · Prep: 2 minutes · Cook: about 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 500ml milk or an unsweetened plant-based drink
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus a small pinch to finish
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- A small pinch of salt, optional
Method
- Put the cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Stir in a little of the milk to make a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining milk. Warm over a low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until steaming and smooth. Avoid letting it boil over.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt, if using. Let a spoonful cool before tasting, then add more sugar if you prefer.
- Pour into two heatproof mugs and finish with a little cinnamon. Allow to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature.
Make it your own
For a richer drink, stir in a small piece of chocolate while the milk is warming. For a dairy-free version, use a suitable plant-based drink and check any toppings. Different milks and cocoa powders vary in sweetness and thickness, so adjust to your taste.
A little serving idea
Serve with a biscuit and your current book. Our Cosy Woods XL Mug is a woodland-themed option if you are looking for a new mug; your favourite mug at home works just as well.
Allergen note: Dairy milk contains milk. Plant-based alternatives, chocolate and toppings may contain other allergens; check their labels.
Plan the rest of your evening with our cosy night in ideas, or browse The Cosy Corner for more inspiration.
Shop the mug
Squirrel & Sage Cosy Woods XL Mug — the woodland mug pictured above. Hot chocolate and other ingredients are not included.
A book to go with your hot chocolate
Settle in with something full of wit and wonder. Browse our Wit, Wonder & Magical Reads book selection on Bookshop.org for Terry Pratchett and more magical reading.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy through our Bookshop.org selection.
Prefer a ready-made hot chocolate?
Our saved pick is Clipper Instant Hot Chocolate Powder, 1kg, on Amazon UK. This is a prepared hot-chocolate mix, not the unsweetened cocoa powder specified above. Prepare it following the packet instructions, then add cinnamon to taste. It may already contain sugar or milk ingredients, so check the label before adding extras.
Find it in our hot-chocolate affiliate picks.
Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.