Best French Hot Chocolate Recipe | Thick, Creamy & Easy to Make
I’ve tried a lot of hot chocolate recipes, but this one is my tested favorite — rich, creamy, and full of chocolatey goodness. It’s thick enough to feel indulgent, yet smooth and velvety, making it the perfect winter drink. My kids absolutely love it, and it’s become our go-to treat on cold days!
It’s also super easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients, and you can top it with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for that extra cozy touch.
Creamy French Hot Chocolate
Course: Beverage, DessertCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes15
minutes250
kcal20
minutesMake the best creamy French hot chocolate at home with real dark chocolate, milk, and vanilla. Smooth, thick, and comforting — perfect for cozy winter nights!
Ingredients
4 cups (1 liter) Full-Fat Milk
2 Cinnamon Sticks
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
1 tbsp Sugar (or to taste)
Pinch of Salt
200g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped)
- Toppings (Optional):
Whipped Cream
Chocolate Shavings
Directions
- Pour milk into a saucepan and add cinnamon sticks and vanilla extract.
- Whisk and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks.
- Add cocoa powder and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved.
- Strain the mixture to remove any cocoa or chocolate lumps.
- Rinse the saucepan, then pour the smooth mixture back in.
- Add sugar, salt, and dark chocolate. Stir gently on low heat until the chocolate melts completely and the texture becomes thick and creamy.
- Adjust sweetness or thickness to your liking.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) for authentic French flavor.
- For extra creaminess, replace ½ cup of milk with heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of instant coffee for a mocha twist.
- Don’t overheat — it can cause the chocolate to separate. Keep the flame low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this hot chocolate without dark chocolate?
Yes! You can use milk chocolate, but reduce the sugar since it’s already sweetened.
How do I make it vegan?
Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and vegan dark chocolate.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes! Let it cool, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours for a chilled version.
What’s the difference between French and regular hot chocolate?
French hot chocolate is richer and thicker, made with real chocolate instead of cocoa powder only.
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