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
Add 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 tablespoon 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 festive hot drinks you might enjoy
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📖 Full Recipe
Italian Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz (100g) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder, unsweetend
- 2 tablespoon caster sugar
- 2 cups (500ml) milk + 2 tbsp
- 4 teaspoon 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 tablespoon 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.
Nutrition
- 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.
Bonnie
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.
Emily
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!
Kelly
This looks so good! What type of milk did you use? 2%? Whole milk? Something else?
Emily
Thank you! You can use either to make it, whole milk will give it a richer taste 🙂
Tiffany L Olivas
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!!
Emily
Aw that's so nice to hear, thank you for your lovely comment!
Christine
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 !!!
Emily
Amazing!! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Alessandra
Can you use regular white sugar in this!? Dying to try but I can’t find caster sugar at any of my grocery stores
Inside the rustic kitchen
Sure, you can use regular white sugar too!
Ashanti
Just put your sugar in a food processor and make your own caster sugar a lot cheaper
Pina Bresciani
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.
Inside the rustic kitchen
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!
Michele
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.
Kelsey
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.
Inside the rustic kitchen
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!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
This looks so creamy and rich I am going to have to try it and maybe dip a few biscuits in too!
Inside the rustic kitchen
Yes, great idea!
Angela @ Allergy Free Angela
I have never tried Italian hot chocolate, but this looks and sounds amazing! The store bought hot cocoa packets could never compare to this! I can't wait to try your recipe, Emily. 🙂
Inside the rustic kitchen
Thank you Angela, it's so much better than any store-bought stuff!
Tracy
Do you think I could use oatmeal? My little one can't do milk. I love Italian hot chocolate and would love to make it so she could enjoy it too.
Emily
Do you mean oatmilk? I haven't tried it but it should work fine 🙂
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
This Italian hot chocolate looks so decadent and delicious! I can see drinking this many times in my future! Awesome recipe!
Inside the rustic kitchen
Thanks so much Elaine!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
OMG this looks so divine. What a great way to warm up from the cold winter weather. Coming in from snow shoeing would be great to have this waiting to snuggle up to.
Inside the rustic kitchen
Thanks so much Gloria, it's perfect at this time of year!
Sarah
Oh this looks absolutely perfect! Hot, rich, thick and creamy...I will definitely be making this during the next snow fall!
Jill
It looks so decadent! I need to try this recipe. Loving your photos too.
Mira
It looks so creamy that I'm going to make it right now!!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Oh my, this looks so warm and comforting! You just can't beat a cup of hot chocolate whilst curled up on the sofa and indulgent Italian hot chocolate is just the best. Will definitely be giving this a try one night this week when the weather is a little cold to warm us up!