*This Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy, sweet, and loaded with chocolate. It’s the perfect warm and cozy holiday drink!*

Hi friends! Today, I’m stopping in to share with you the easiest recipe for homemade hot cocoa. Why, you ask? Well, first off, chocolate! Do I need another reason? But also, I simply think that everyone should have in their back pocket a recipe for a simple from-scratch hot chocolate. To me, the coldest and most dreary winter months are all about slowing down to enjoy time with family and the little, sweet moments of the holiday season – and what could be more appropriate than a steaming mug of rich, sweet, drinkable chocolate?

I imagine serving this hot cocoa straight from a big pot on the stove at a holiday party or cookie exchange, as a quick weeknight dessert on a cold and dark evening, or with a big brunch on Christmas morning – perhaps even alongside the presents! I promise you – your friends and family will all fall in love with this rich and delicious drink. It’s extra thick and creamy, with the super concentrated taste of dark chocolate and just enough sweetness.

My secret for you, friends, is that this cocoa is actually ridiculously easy to make. Simply simmer milk until nice and hot, then stir in your chocolate (I like to use a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips), some vanilla, and a bit of sugar. Honestly, it’s no more complicated than instant cocoa powder – just way more delicious! Don’t forget to top each mug with a spoonful of whipped cream or a couple marshmallows for the happiest chocolate-drinkers on the block.