This homemade healthy hot chocolate is perfectly creamy and absolutely delicious! Made with simple real food ingredients like pure maple syrup, almond milk, and coconut milk, it is a healthier version of everyone’s favorite winter drink.

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The Best Healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is everyone’s favorite winter drink. It is warm, cozy, chocolatey, and personally I don’t think I could go through an entire holiday season without a creamy cup of hot chocolate.

If you have ever wanted to try making hot chocolate from scratch, this healthy homemade version is perfect for you! It is so simple to make, only takes a few ingredients (most of which you probably already have!), dairy-free, vegan, and comes together in just a few minutes.

What I love most about making my own hot chocolate at home is that I can easily tweak the ingredients to suite my tastebuds. Like a little extra sweetness, add more maple syrup! Want a peppermint hot chocolate? Add in a few drops of peppermint extract! The options really are endless.

This easy base recipe is delicious in it’s own right, but as always feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Is Hot Chocolate Healthy?

Traditional hot chocolate is typically made with refined sugar and, if you buy the pre-made packets, other preservatives. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying classic hot chocolate, you may be looking for a different version made with a few simple ingredients. While it’s made with healthier ingredients, this hot cocoa is still delicious and does not compromise on flavor at all. Everyone will love it!

Delicious Hot Cocoa Ingredients

Full fat coconut milk: full fat coconut milk adds a delicious rich creaminess to just about everything it’s in, including this hot chocolate. A little bit goes a long way in this recipe and I found that it does not make the hot chocolate taste like coconut.

Almond milk: the other milk of choice in this drink is almond milk. It has a thinner consistency than the full fat coconut milk and a pretty neutral flavor. Use an unsweetened, plain almond milk for the best results.

Cocoa powder: this is an obvious and must-have ingredient. Be sure to use a delicious rich cocoa powder that you really love.

Maple syrup: this gives just the right amount of sweetness to the hot chocolate. If you prefer, you could use honey instead although it may change the flavor of the hot chocolate just a bit.

Vanilla extract: my secret ingredient to a delicious hot chocolate is vanilla extract. It adds the most delicious flavor to the hot chocolate.

Pinch of sea salt: a little salt works to balance all of the sweet.

How to Make Dairy Free Hot Chocolate

Step One: Add the almond milk and coconut milk to a small saucepan or pot and heat over medium-low heat.

Step Two: Once the milk is warmed through, whisk in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined and there are no remaining lumps of cocoa powder. This is also a great time to add in any optional ingredients that you plan on using like collagen protein, ground cinnamon, or peppermint extract.

Step Three: Once the milk is warmed and everything is well combined, pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings. Crushed peppermint candies would also be great addition if you like peppermint hot chocolate. Sip and enjoy while watching your favorite movie!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Hot Cocoa

Don’t overheat the milk. You want the milk to be just hot enough. There is no need to boil or even really simmer the milk.
Use a whisk to incorporate the cocoa powder. Trust me, it will make the entire process much easier.
If you want an extra chocolatey hot chocolate, feel free to add an extra half tablespoon of cocoa powder to the recipe.
Be sure to get an unsweetened, dark cocoa powder. You don’t want any extra added sugar in your cocoa powder.

Can I Use One Milk Instead of Two?

The combination of full fat coconut milk and almond milk gives this hot chocolate just the right amount of creaminess so I highly recommend using both. However, if you want to use just one milk, I would go with almond milk or oat milk. They both will give you a cozy creamy cup!

I do not recommend using only full-fat coconut milk in this recipe as the hot chocolate will be a bit too thick and rich.

Other Dairy Free Milk Options

I tested this recipe with a combination of homemade cashew milk and coconut milk and did not love the results. The cashew milk thickened as it was heated and made the hot chocolate a bit too rich for my personal tastes.

If you need to make a nut-free version of this hot chocolate, or if you do not have almond milk, you could try using oat milk instead.

Can I Use Dairy Milk?

Yes! If you do not have any concerns about making this a dairy free recipe, you could always use your choice of dairy milk. I haven’t tested it but I think that whole milk would probably work best.

Optional Recipe Variations

Add in a little peppermint extract for a delicious peppermint hot chocolate.
Add a dash of cinnamon to the milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Top your hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Add a few mini marshmallows on top.
Add a scoop of your favorite unflavored collagen powder to your hot chocolate for extra protein and nourishing health benefits.

More Delicious Drink Recipes to Enjoy

I hope you give this Healthy Hot Chocolate a try! It’s the perfect cozy drink to sip on all winter long.

If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on Instagram. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.