Ingredients
Scale
- 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) (Valrhona, Lindt, or Guittard recommended)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1–2 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for added depth)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Heat the Milk & Cream: In a saucepan, heat whole milk and heavy cream over low heat until steaming (do not boil).
- Combine & Whisk: Slowly pour the melted chocolate into the saucepan, whisking constantly for a smooth texture.
- Sweeten & Flavor: Add sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Continue stirring.
- Simmer & Thicken: Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thick and creamy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Pour into small cups, top with whipped cream (optional), and serve with croissants or chocolate-covered strawberries.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap whole milk for oat milk and heavy cream for coconut cream.
- Extra Thick Texture: Let the chocolate simmer longer or add ½ tsp cornstarch dissolved in warm milk.
- Boozy Version: Stir in 1 tbsp Baileys, Kahlúa, or Grand Marnier for a decadent twist.
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with croissants or molten lava cake (Try this recipe).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: French drinking chocolate, chocolat chaud, thick hot chocolate, Parisian hot cocoa