Thick, creamy, and intensely chocolatey, this Italian Hot Chocolate is a cozy, decadent treat that instantly elevates any chilly day. Unlike the thinner American version, this recipe delivers a rich, almost pudding-like consistency made with real dark chocolate and whole milk. It’s the kind of drink I turn to when I want something comforting yet sophisticated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
Pinch of salt
Optional: whipped cream or shaved chocolate for topping
Directions
I start by mixing the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry.
In a medium saucepan, I whisk the remaining milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt over medium heat.
Once it’s warm (but not yet boiling), I stir in the cornstarch slurry.
I continue whisking until the mixture thickens, which takes about 3–5 minutes.
Then, I add the chopped dark chocolate and whisk until it melts completely and the drink is smooth and thick.
I remove it from heat, pour it into mugs, and top it with whipped cream or chocolate shavings if I’m feeling fancy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Variations
Milk Alternatives: I sometimes use oat milk or almond milk to make it dairy-free. Just be sure to choose a full-fat version for a creamy texture.
Spiced Twist: For a warm, spicy flavor, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder.
Extra Thick: If I want an ultra-thick version, I add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch.
Sweeter Option: I occasionally increase the sugar to 4 tablespoons for a sweeter drink, especially when serving guests.
Different Chocolates: Mixing milk chocolate with dark chocolate gives it a slightly milder taste if I want something less intense.
Storage/Reheating
I usually enjoy this drink fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I pour it into a saucepan and gently warm it over low heat, whisking frequently to bring back the smooth consistency. I avoid microwaving, as it can cause the mixture to separate or overheat quickly.
FAQs
What makes Italian hot chocolate different from regular hot chocolate?
Italian hot chocolate is much thicker and richer than regular hot chocolate. I use real chocolate and a touch of cornstarch to give it a luxurious, almost pudding-like texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, I make it vegan by using plant-based milk like oat or almond and choosing dairy-free dark chocolate. The results are still creamy and delicious.
How can I make it thicker?
I increase the amount of cornstarch slightly—about 1.5 tablespoons total—if I want a thicker consistency. It thickens more as it cools too.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, I prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then I reheat it gently on the stove while whisking to restore its smooth texture.
What kind of chocolate works best?
I always go with high-quality dark chocolate, preferably 70% cocoa or higher. It gives the hot chocolate a deep, rich flavor without being too sweet.
Conclusion
This Italian Hot Chocolate is one of my favorite wintertime indulgences. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for sipping slowly or serving as a unique dessert. With just a few simple ingredients, I can make something that feels special every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Italian Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thick, creamy, and intensely chocolatey, this Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) offers a rich, pudding-like texture that’s deeply comforting and perfect for cold days. Made with real dark chocolate and whole milk, it’s a luxurious treat that’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
Pinch of salt
Optional: whipped cream or shaved chocolate for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the milk to create a smooth slurry.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk the remaining milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt over medium heat.
- Once the mixture is warm but not boiling, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Continue whisking for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and whisk until it melts completely and the drink is smooth and thick.
- Remove from heat, pour into mugs, and top with whipped cream or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) for best flavor.
To make it vegan, substitute with plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove while whisking to maintain texture.
Add extra cornstarch for an ultra-thick version.
Customize sweetness by adjusting the sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
