Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate mixes are so convenient for a quick cup of hot chocolate, and we definitely go though our fair share at our house, but when I want to make an extra special treat I spend a few extra minutes and make this creamy, decadent hot chocolate using real chocolate chips. You'll want to use a good quality chocolate here and whole milk for best results. Customize to your likes! Milk, white, semi-sweet, or bittersweet chocolate chips would all work here.

Real chocolate chips, whole milk, cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla all work together to make a rich and creamy cup of hot chocolate!

This warm and cozy treat can be made on the stovetop, but I'm also including an option for the Instant Pot.

To make it even more fun set up a tray with toppings such as marshmallows, Hershey Kisses, peppermint meringues, red hots, candy canes, etc!

Perfect as a treat on Christmas Eve while watching a favorite movie or a snow day!

Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate

makes 4-6 servings

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup chocolate chips ( I used Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 tsp vanilla

Instructions for stovetop:

In a medium saucepan combine milk, whipping cream, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir with a whisk over medium heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and steamy, but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Ladle into mugs and enjoy!

Instructions for Instant Pot:

Plug in Instant Pot and combine all ingredients except vanilla. Push the Sauté button and whisk until chocolate is fully melted and chocolate is smooth. Add vanilla and stir to combine. At this point you can either turn the Instant Pot off (if you are ready to serve it immediately), or for a make-ahead option, push the keep warm button and replace the lid. This will keep the Hot Chocolate perfectly nice and warm for hours!

When ready to serve, ladle into mugs and enjoy!

Topping Ideas:

Whipped Cream

Marshmallows

Peppermint Meringues

Candy Canes

Hershey Kisses

Andes Mints

M&M's

Sprinkles

Red Hots

Cinnamon

Pirouette Cookies

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