It’s winter season and almost Christmas, which means it’s hot cocoa season. There are few things that feel cozier than curling up with a steaming cup of cocoa and a good book or sipping on it while watching a classic Christmas movie.

Healthy hot cocoa is especially delicious if you choose to add homemade marshmallows. Although these don’t taste anything like the store-bought version, they are so creamy and tasty as they melt into the cocoa, plus give a little boost of protein. Check out the recipe here.

I wanted to share the simple recipe I use for healthy, homemade hot cocoa in case you’re looking for a healthier alternative to this treat this month and in the winter months ahead.

Why should I make my own hot cocoa?

Many pre-made hot chocolate mixes contain large amounts of sugar and preservatives, making them less appealing to this ingredient-conscious mama, and they honestly just taste fake to me.

Thankfully, it’s actually super easy to make hot cocoa from scratch with just a few simple ingredients and natural sweeteners.

If pre-made mixes are still your jam, you might find making your own helpful. Although homemade hot cocoa mixes still contain powdered sugar, they are still healthier than store-bought versions and you’ll know exactly what ingredients are in it. I don’t think organic sugar in moderation is a bad thing, just something to be mindful of, especially in this winter season when our immune systems are lower anyway.

If you’re looking for a hot cocoa mix to batch prep and have on hand, this is one I have used in the past. It makes fantastic little treat bags or jars to gift to friends and neighbors too.

If you’re a protein-conscious mama and looking for a way to boost your protein, while still enjoying a treat, I have recently discovered that adding Equip chocolate protein powder to milk makes the most rich and delicious hot chocolate. This has become my go-to afternoon treat and I love knowing that I can get around 30g of protein in one cup of hot chocolate.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Simple ingredients, mostly likely already in your pantry
Takes just a couple minutes to put together
Natural sweeteners
No artificial ingredients or fillers
Smooth, creamy, and delicious

Simple Ingredients

The healthy homemade hot chocolate contains the most simple ingredients, likely things you already have in your pantry.

Cocoa powder – I like to find an organic option, like this one from Azure Standard
Maple syrup – You could use honey also, but I like the taste of maple syrup in cocoa
Milk – Use whatever milk your family prefers
Vanilla – Just a splash
Salt – A pinch of salt really makes the sweet flavors pop

How to make homemade hot chocolate

Heat the milk – I do this on the stovetop, but you could totally throw it in the microwave to heat it up. This is honestly the faster option if you are only making a single cup of hot chocolate.

Add dry ingredients – Stir in the cocoa, maple syrup, vanilla and salt. Whisk until creamy.

Return to heat – Continue to heat until steaming or to desired temperature.

Variations on homemade hot chocolate

Add homemade marshmallows
Chocolate chips – mini ones are so fun!
Peppermint candy cane
Homemade whip cream
Equip chocolate mint protein powder

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