Italian Hot Chocolate
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a cup of rich, velvety hot chocolate to warm you up. But if you really want to indulge, this Italian Hot Chocolate is the ultimate treat. Known for its thick, luxurious texture and intense chocolate flavor, Italian Hot Chocolate, or Cioccolata Calda, is a decadent drink that feels more like a dessert. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk, divided
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3.5 oz. dark chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
Start by reserving ½ cup of the milk and setting it aside for later. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3 ½ cups of milk, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly to ensure the cocoa powder and sugar fully dissolve into the milk.
2. Add the Dark Chocolate:
Once the milk mixture is gently simmering, add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step creates the rich chocolate base for your drink.
3. Make the Cornstarch Slurry:
In the reserved ½ cup of milk, add the cornstarch and stir until it is fully dissolved. This slurry will help thicken your hot chocolate to that signature Italian-style consistency.
4. Thicken the Hot Chocolate:
With the chocolate mixture still simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking or stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency. The hot chocolate should become luxuriously thick and creamy, perfect for sipping slowly.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once your hot chocolate has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor and rounds out the richness of the chocolate. Serve the hot chocolate immediately, while it’s hot and steamy. You can enjoy it as is, or top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra indulgence.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
Tips for Success
- Chocolate Choice: The quality of your dark chocolate is key to the flavor of this drink. Opt for a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best results.
- Consistency: If you prefer an even thicker hot chocolate, you can add a little more cornstarch to the slurry. Just be sure to dissolve it thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
- Serving Suggestions: Italian Hot Chocolate is traditionally served in small cups due to its richness. Pair it with a biscotti or a piece of buttered toast for a truly indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Hot Chocolate is perfect for cozy evenings at home, but it also makes a wonderful treat for entertaining guests during the winter months. Serve it in small cups or mugs, perhaps alongside a plate of cookies or biscotti. It’s also a fantastic addition to a holiday dessert table, offering a warm and comforting option that everyone will love.
Whether you’re sipping it slowly by the fire or sharing it with friends and family, this Italian Hot Chocolate is a deliciously rich and comforting drink that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every decadent sip!
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Italian Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Italian Hot Chocolate is the epitome of comfort and indulgence, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Unlike traditional hot chocolate, this version is incredibly rich and thick, almost like a dessert in a cup. Made with whole milk, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla, it offers a deep, luscious flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk, divided
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup granulated sugar
3.5 oz. dark chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped into small pieces
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Milk Mixture: Reserve ½ cup of the milk and set it aside. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3 ½ cups of milk, salt, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the cocoa and sugar.
Add the Dark Chocolate: Once the milk mixture is simmering, add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In the reserved ½ cup of milk, add the cornstarch and stir until it is fully dissolved, forming a slurry.
Thicken the Hot Chocolate: With the chocolate mixture still simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking or stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
Finish and Serve: Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve immediately, hot and steamy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200