Whether you’re cozying up in PJs and a blanket by the fire, heading out for an evening drive to look at Christmas lights, or snuggling on the couch to watch movies, there’s nothing quite like a mug filled with steamy hot cocoa to make a winter moment feel extra special.
You can find this along with many additional fun and festive recipes in my cookbook, Vegan Christmas Cookies & Cocoa!
Why This Recipe Works
- Each sip of this vegan hot cocoa has all of the rich, delicious chocolate yumminess you crave when it’s cold outside.
- Not only does it taste amazing, this cocoa is dairy free and gluten free!
- The hot chocolate has deep indulgent flavors, but is made with just a handful of ingredients. You likely have everything needed in the kitchen right now.
- Making homemade hot cocoa could not be any more simple! It requires only 3 easy steps, and in less than 10 minutes you’re snuggled up with a warm mug of chocolatey deliciousness.
How to Make The BEST Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipe
This quick and easy recipe will have you enjoying a mugful with your favorite blanket faster than you can say season’s greetings!
- Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat until steamy. Stir frequently and be careful to not let the milk get too hot… It should be very warm but not boiling.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
Continue to whisk until the sugar and cocoa powder are dissolved and the chocolate chips are melted.
- Pour into mugs while hot. Serve with marshmallows or whipped cream, if you like!
Looking For More Fun Drink Recipes? Then You Have To Try My:
- Killer Vegan Eggnog
- Easy Homemade Pumpkin Spiced Coffee
- Vegan Pumpkin Spiced Iced Lattes
- Frozen Vegan Chocolate Snack Shakes
Recipe Tips And Variations
- Do not walk away from the milk warming on the stove, as it may boil over if it gets too hot.
- For richer hot cocoa, add 1 extra tablespoon each cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper powder to the cocoa powder for a fun and spicy flavor boost.
- Really make your sleigh bells ring and enjoy hot chocolate with a cookie! Some of our winter favorites are chocolate chunk peppermint brownie cookies and soft and chewy vegan ginger snaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
I typically use almond or soy milk, but other plant-based nondairy beverages are also great! Cashew milk is also a great option. The only type to avoid for hot drinks would be oat milk with added omega-3’s. Reason being, the source for the omega-3’s is typically algae oil, which typically doesn’t taste great when the milk is heated.
Yes, it is! But double check ingredient labels to be sure.
We love vegan marshmallows for that classic cocoa experience. Dairy free whipped cream is also delicious! Get extra fancy and add sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top, too.
Yes and yes! As-is the recipe makes two mugfuls of cocoa. Halve the ingredients to make one serving. Double or triple the proportions for a larger batch.
The BEST Vegan Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2 c. non-dairy milk (474 ml), such as almond, soy or cashew
- 3 Tbsp. non-dairy chocolate chips (35 g)
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar (29 g)
- 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder (5 g)
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat until steamy.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients until the cocoa powder is dissolved and the chocolate chips are melted.
- Serve with marshmallows or whipped cream, if you like!
Notes
- For richer hot cocoa, add 1 extra tablespoon each cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Do not walk away from the milk warming on the stove, as it may boil over if it gets too hot.
- Avoid making the hot cocoa with an oat milk that has omega-3’s (such as algae oil) added as it can make your hot cocoa taste a bit fishy.