Hot Cocoa Recipe

Written by
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends.
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Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Updated 05/27/21
Hot chocolate with whipped cream and chile powder

Jupiterimages / Getty Images
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 10 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
114 Calories
4g Fat
14g Carbs
7g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 114
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 221mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 2mg 8%
Calcium 213mg 16%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 266mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

There is a method to making hot cocoa, believe it or not. The salt may seem like an odd ingredient, but it really helps bring out the flavor of the cocoa. Do not omit it unless you absolutely must. 

Recipe reprinted with permission from "The New Doubleday Cookbook."

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 1/3 cup water

  • 2/3 cup milk

  • Ground cinnamon, optional garnish

  • Ground nutmeg, optional garnish

  • Whipped cream, optional garnish

  • Marshmallows, optional garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Slowly stir in water.

  2. Heat and stir over moderately low heat until mixture boils, then boil slowly, stirring constantly, 2 minutes.

  3. Add milk and heat to scalding, but do not boil.

  4. Serve in mugs, sprinkled, if you like, with cinnamon or nutmeg or topped with marshmallows or whipped cream. There are also some dishes that go well served with cocoa.