Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Dark chocolate hot cocoa gets a little kick from cayenne and cinnamon to create this rich and creamy drink with a healthy dose of antioxidants.

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If you’re currently not a dark chocolate lover, I think I’ve got some recipes to change your mind. You need to give my dark chocolate truffles, dark chocolate malt, or my new favorite Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa a try.

Regardless of if it actually gets cold or not where you are, winter just calls for hot cocoa. My new favorite discovery is dark chocolate cocoa powder. You can find it in any grocery store and it is a sure fire way to make sure you are eating the right type of heart-healthy dark chocolate. While I’ll use it to enhance yogurt or oatmeal, my favorite recipe for when it’s cold is my Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Cocoa

Hot chocolate made from scratch, you can easily adjust how sweet it is!
It’s a sweet treat that’s guilt free.
It’s creamy and luxurious, and full of rich flavor.

Ingredients

Cocoa powder: Dark chocolate cocoa powder adds, rich deep chocolate flavor along with antioxidants.
Cinnamon: Adds just a bit of warmth and spice to the drink.
Vanilla: Is a natural flavor enhancer.
Honey: A natural sweetener for the drink instead of using processed sugar.
Milk: Low-fat or skim milk are my go-to when making hot chocolate from scratch.

Easy Substitutions

Try sweetening the hot cocoa with maple syrup instead of honey.
Keep the drink dairy-free and vegan by using almond milk or any other nondairy milk.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Step 1. Start your hot cocoa by adding your dark cocoa powder to a medium sized sauce pan.

Step 2. Then sprinkle in the cinnamon.

Adding vanilla extract to sauce pan on stove.

Step 3. Then pour in the vanilla extract.

Step 4. Next add the honey.

Sprinkling cayenne pepper powder into sauce pan.

Step 5. Sprinkle in some salt, and some cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy. Add water and heat over medium, whisking until everything is combined.

Pouring milk into sauce pan and whisking hot cocoa.

Step 6. Slowly stir in your milk, and heat until bubbles start to form around the edge. Continuously stir so it doesn’t reach a full boil.

Dark chocolate hot cocoa in a glass mug.

Carefully pour into mugs and top with some whipped cream, then serve and enjoy your Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dark chocolate hot cocoa good for you?

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, contains flavanoids, and is a great source of fiber, iron, and magnesium.

What can I use if I don’t have cocoa powder?

If you don’t have cocoa powder, you could melt down some unsweetened baking chocolate.

Does chocolate help with weight loss?

Like I always say, all things in moderation. But dark chocolate, with a cacao percentage higher than 70%, can help with weight loss as it’s a somewhat sweet treat that is high in antioxidants and can help suppress future cravings.

Dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, surrounded by scattered chocolate.

More Chocolate Recipes

Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.

Anytime you want to curl up by the fire with a nice, warm drink, my Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa will become your favorite companion.

Your straw is waiting.