Italian Hot Chocolate – Thick and Decadent
Updated Feb 09, 2021, Published Dec 03, 2017
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There’s no hot chocolate quite like Italian hot chocolate, it’s thick, smooth, creamy and so indulgent. If you’re looking for something chocolatey, hot and comforting to curl up on the couch with then this is the very thing for you!
When I think of hot chocolate, I’m always reminded of that powdery stuff that comes in little sachets that smells great but is often watery, thin and disappointing. This Italian hot chocolate is so chocolatey, rich and indulgent, it’s so easy to make at home and it’s ready from start to finish in 5 minutes. There’s no excuse not to make your own hot chocolate from scratch and you definitely won’t be disappointed!
Hot chocolate is the ultimate, comforting drink to curl up with on the couch with a cozy blanket, fluffy socks and a good movie. At this time of year, it’s one of my favourite things to do, especially when it’s bitterly cold outside.
I first tried this sweet treat when I was young and on holiday in Milan with my family. We had spent all day walking and sightseeing on a freezing cold day and decided to stop at a cafe for a hot drink.
I ordered hot chocolate and was served a small mug of melted, thick chocolate that was out-of-this-world delicious. It was without a doubt the best hot chocolate I had ever tasted, it was a thick, pudding-like drink and it’s so easy to make at home too.
Personally, I love this Italian hot chocolate just the way it is but you could also add marshmallows, cream, caramel sauce or even a shot of Irish cream liqueur for an over the top, decadent dessert. That’s what this time of year is all about, right?
How To Make Italian Hot Chocolate
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItAdd milk to a saucepan and then add chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until all the chocolate and sugar has melted.
Mix the corn starch with 2 tbsp of milk then add it to the chocolate milk. Stir the hot chocolate until thick and smooth, add a small pinch of salt and serve in mugs.
More Italian chocolate treats to try
Christmas
Frangelico Hot Chocolate Affogato
Italian Desserts
Homemade Baci Chocolates (Italian Kisses)
Italian Desserts
Torta Barozzi (Rich, Flourless Chocolate Cake)
Christmas
Panpepato (Christmas Spiced Cake)
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Italian Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz (100g) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetend
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 2 cups (500ml) milk + 2 tbsp
- 4 tsp corn starch
- 1 small pinch smoked salt or regular
Instructions
- Add the milk to a saucepan and add the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until all the chocolate and sugar has melted.
- Mix the corn starch with 2 tbsp of milk then add it to the chocolate milk. Stir the hot chocolate until thick and smooth, add a small pinch of salt and serve in mugs.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
- When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
- All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
- All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
- Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
- Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
- You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My family and I moved back to the states after living in Italy for four years. I had never in my life tasted hot chocolate the way they make it in Italy. Never thought I’d enjoy it again until I found this recipe yesterday. I will be using it forever! My daughters sat at the table and talked about our time in Italy while enjoying this hot chocolate. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Ciao Bonnie, what a lovely comment! I’m so happy to hear this recipe reminded you of your time in Italy <3. Buon Natale to you and your family!
This looks so good! What type of milk did you use? 2%? Whole milk? Something else?
Thank you! You can use either to make it, whole milk will give it a richer taste 🙂
I was an aupair in Italy when I was younger.. the Italian hot chocolate was an AMAZING find while I was there… Fast forward 20 years and now I can make this for my family and in less than 15 minutes! So so so delicious! Thank you for giving me the gift of Italian hot chocolate to share with my family!!
Aw that’s so nice to hear, thank you for your lovely comment!
It’s 1 am and I just made this hot chocolate recipe , so good!! I used 70% dark chocolate and it turned out so yummy. Highly recommend !!!
Amazing!! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Can you use regular white sugar in this!? Dying to try but I can’t find caster sugar at any of my grocery stores
Sure, you can use regular white sugar too!
Just put your sugar in a food processor and make your own caster sugar a lot cheaper
LOVE this hot chocolate! Just made it over the weekend and the flavor was incredible. One of the most intense chocolate flavors I’ve ever tasted. It’s so thick and creamy (almost pudding-like), and I didn’t want my cup to end! Will be making again and again this winter.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Pina! So happy you enjoyed it, it’s the best time of the year for it that’s for sure!
Thank you for this delicious recipe! The Italian hot chocolate hit the spot tonite during our first snowstorm of the season here in New Mexico!! All your recipes sound wonderful & I look forward to making some.
I hardly ever leave comments..but this hot choc is AMAZING. By far the best recipe I’ve tried for this style hot chocolate. Decadent, smooth, chocolately perfection.
Hey Kelsey, thanks so much for your lovely comment. I’m so happy you enjoyed it it’s perfect at this time of year, Merry Christmas!
Oh this looks absolutely perfect! Hot, rich, thick and creamy…I will definitely be making this during the next snow fall!