Sometimes on cold winter days, only hot chocolate will do. If you love homemade but want a few shortcuts to the end product, this easy hot chocolate recipe is for you! In this post, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how how to make a quick and yummy microwaved chocolatey beverage.

While the time you’ll invest is small, the flavor payoff is big. Using milk for a creamy base, a hint of almond extract, and a smaller amount of sugar, you’ll end up with a beverage that is not too rich or sweet. So that all those yummy toppings can do the talking!

hot chocolate bar and printable hot cocoa sign

I made this recipe on accident. After being out in the cold at the Christmas tree farm, my kids asked for hot chocolate. We didn’t have any packets on hand (which admittedly is usually my go-to!). But we did have unsweetened cocoa. So I decided to give making my own concoction a whirl.

With the ingredients we had – and a shortcut using the microwave to heat milk – I served my girls (and my mom) each a mug. Their reviews were 5 stars (Well, they didn’t say that, but everyone finished. So I’ll take that as a positive review! ;))

I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe as much as mine does!

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Hot Chocolate Bar

Before we get to the recipe, I wanted to show you how you can easily set up a mini hot chocolate bar. This would be a cute treat for your kids after being out in the snow. Or you could set it up for a Galentine’s get together. It could also be an interactive beverage served at a winter event – like a kids birthday party or bridal shower. Fun, right!?

Serveware

Wood board
Pinch bowls
Larger bowl (for whipped cream)
Squeeze bottle (for caramel syrup)
Mini spoons
Mugs
Napkins

Ingredients

Marshmallows
Sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips
Caramel syrup
Whipped cream
Assortment of cookies (heart shaped shortbread, madeleines, and Pocky sticks) & chocolates

Start by placing the mini bowls filled with sprinkles and mini chocolate chips on the board.

Then, add marshmallows and other larger cookies, arranging so ingredients similar in tone are not next to each other.

Fill in the gaps with smaller cookies and chocolates.

Display with mugs and bowl of whipped cream.

Voila! An adorable hot chocolate bar your family and friends will swoon over – no matter what you’re celebrating!

Oh, and don’t forget the hot cocoa sign! Keep reading to find out how you can grab this exact one for free!

Free Hot Cocoa Sign Printable

Easy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Easy Hot Chocolate

This quick homemade hot chocolate recipe is your go-to for cold winter days. Made with milk warmed in the microwave, a hint of almond extract, and a few other simple ingredients. Using a smaller amount of sugar keeps it from being too sweet – and lets all the fun, sugary toppings do the talking!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 5

Course Drinks

Servings 1 person