Chocolate chips hot chocolate is a cozy, indulgent take on a winter classic. This simple recipe requires just two main ingredients and only a few minutes to prepare, delivering a rich, velvety cup of hot chocolate with real chocolate chips melted into the milk.
There’s something comforting and familiar about chocolate in a warm drink. Using chocolate chips instead of powder creates a smooth, luscious texture and a deeper chocolate flavor. The chips melt into the heated milk, resulting in a creamy drink that feels homemade and luxurious.
This recipe is ideal for cold days when you want a quick, satisfying treat. It’s just as fast as making instant hot cocoa, but the flavor and texture are far superior. With minimal effort you’ll have a café-quality cup in minutes.
Ingredients
This recipe really needs only two ingredients:
Chocolate chips – A mix of milk chocolate chips and semisweet chips works well. The milk chips add sweetness while the semisweet chips bring depth. You can use any type you prefer—dark, white, or even flavored chips.
Whole milk – Whole milk provides the creamy, rich mouthfeel that makes this drink feel decadent. You can use 2% in a pinch, but lower-fat milks will produce a thinner result.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Chocolate Chips Hot Chocolate
Step One: Combine the milk and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe mug. Use a large mug to prevent boiling over.
Step Two: Heat in the microwave for about 2 minutes. You want the milk hot and steaming but not boiling; this helps the chips melt smoothly.
Step Three: Whisk the milk and chips until smooth and fully melted. If you prefer a hotter drink, microwave an extra 30–60 seconds and whisk again.
Step Four: Add your favorite toppings—whipped cream, mini marshmallows, a sprinkle of extra chips, or a drizzle of syrup—and enjoy. Any leftovers should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator.
Top Tip
If you prefer stovetop preparation, heat the milk gently in a small saucepan and stir in the chocolate chips until they melt. For serving a crowd, a slow cooker or crockpot set on low will keep hot chocolate warm for guests.
Variations
Chocolate bar: Chop a bar of chocolate and use it instead of chips for a smoother melt.
Sugar-free: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and adjust sweetener to taste, since some sugar-free options are less sweet.
Mint hot cocoa: Add crushed peppermint candies or a drop of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Dairy-free/vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute half full-fat coconut milk and half unsweetened almond milk for a rich, creamy vegan version.
Caramel swirl: Stir in caramel sauce and top with extra drizzle for a caramel-chocolate treat.
Maple white hot chocolate: Use white chocolate chips (reduce the amount) and sweeten with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Common Questions
What kind of chocolate chips can I use?
You can use any chips you like: semisweet, milk, dark, white, or even peanut butter chips. Since this recipe makes one mug at a time, it’s easy to tailor each cup to individual preferences.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Heat milk and chips in a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat, whisking constantly to prevent scorching. Stop heating once the chocolate is fully melted and the drink is steaming.
How can I enhance the flavor?
Add a pinch of salt, a dash of vanilla extract, or a tablespoon of cocoa powder for extra chocolate intensity. Freshly whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon make great toppings.
Does milk need to boil?
No. The milk should be heated until steaming and hot enough to melt the chocolate, but avoid boiling to preserve texture and flavor.
How do I prevent milk from curdling?
Heat milk slowly and stir frequently. If temperamental milk shows signs of curdling, try adding a spoonful of cold milk and whisking briskly to restore a smoother texture.
What toppings work well?
Whipped cream, mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup all pair beautifully with this hot chocolate.
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Chips Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole milk
- 6 tbsp chocolate chips (mix semisweet and milk chocolate if desired)
Instructions
- Combine the milk and chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave for 2 minutes or until the milk is hot and steaming.
- Whisk until the chocolate has melted and the drink is smooth. Top with whipped cream or your favorite toppings and serve.
Notes
Nutrition facts: Values are for one large mug. This is a rich serving—consider splitting into two smaller servings if preferred.
Chocolate chips: A 50/50 mix of semisweet and milk chocolate chips gives a balanced flavor, but use whatever you enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories: 586.1 kcal • Carbohydrates: 68.5 g • Protein: 7.4 g • Fat: 33 g • Sugar: 62.3 g
Originally Published November 2, 2022. Revised and Republished March 17, 2025.