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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Italian Hot Chocolate - Thick and Decadent

    Published: Dec 3, 2017, Last updated: Feb 9, 2021 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links.

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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!

    Italian hot chocolate in a white mug with a spoon

    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?

    Step by step photos for how to make Italian hot chocolate

    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

    • Baileys hot chocolate with maple whipped cream
    • Banana Milk Coffee

    A close up of Italian hot chocolate

    If you've tried this or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I'm getting up to.

    Step By Step Photos AboveMost of our recipes come with step by step photos, helpful tips and tricks to make it perfectly first time and even video!
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    5 from 13 votes

    Italian Hot Chocolate

    Thick, smooth and creamy Italian hot chocolate, a decadent and indulgent festive treat.
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 4 - 6 people
    Calories 164kcal
    Author Emily Kemp

    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

    Calories: 164kcal
    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.
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

    More Drinks

    • Martini Macchiato Cocktail
    • Puccini Cocktail
    • Americano Cocktail
    • Homemade Limoncello - Quick & Easy Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bonnie

      December 13, 2021 at 3:40 am

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Emily

        December 13, 2021 at 10:53 am

        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!

        Reply
    2. Kelly

      December 11, 2021 at 10:07 pm

      This looks so good! What type of milk did you use? 2%? Whole milk? Something else?

      Reply
      • Emily

        December 13, 2021 at 10:40 am

        Thank you! You can use either to make it, whole milk will give it a richer taste 🙂

        Reply
    3. Tiffany L Olivas

      December 07, 2021 at 1:04 am

      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!!

      Reply
      • Emily

        December 07, 2021 at 10:30 am

        Aw that's so nice to hear, thank you for your lovely comment!

        Reply
    4. Christine

      July 09, 2021 at 11:53 pm

      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 !!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Emily

        July 12, 2021 at 5:33 pm

        Amazing!! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    5. Alessandra

      October 15, 2020 at 3:50 am

      Can you use regular white sugar in this!? Dying to try but I can’t find caster sugar at any of my grocery stores

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        October 15, 2020 at 11:01 am

        Sure, you can use regular white sugar too!

        Reply
      • Ashanti

        December 23, 2020 at 1:15 am

        Just put your sugar in a food processor and make your own caster sugar a lot cheaper

        Reply
    6. Pina Bresciani

      December 02, 2019 at 5:46 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        December 02, 2019 at 8:43 pm

        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!

        Reply
    7. Michele

      November 22, 2019 at 3:39 am

      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.5 stars

      Reply
    8. Kelsey

      December 22, 2018 at 6:59 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        December 22, 2018 at 11:04 pm

        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!

        Reply
    9. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      December 07, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      This looks so creamy and rich I am going to have to try it and maybe dip a few biscuits in too!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        December 12, 2017 at 12:40 pm

        Yes, great idea!

        Reply
    10. Angela @ Allergy Free Angela

      December 06, 2017 at 11:16 pm

      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. 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        December 12, 2017 at 12:39 pm

        Thank you Angela, it's so much better than any store-bought stuff!

        Reply
      • Tracy

        December 04, 2021 at 10:22 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Emily

          December 07, 2021 at 10:35 am

          Do you mean oatmilk? I haven't tried it but it should work fine 🙂

    11. Elaine @ Dishes Delish

      December 06, 2017 at 9:37 pm

      This Italian hot chocolate looks so decadent and delicious! I can see drinking this many times in my future! Awesome recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        December 12, 2017 at 12:39 pm

        Thanks so much Elaine!

        Reply
    12. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

      December 06, 2017 at 5:29 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        December 12, 2017 at 12:38 pm

        Thanks so much Gloria, it's perfect at this time of year!

        Reply
    13. Sarah

      December 06, 2017 at 1:58 pm

      Oh this looks absolutely perfect! Hot, rich, thick and creamy...I will definitely be making this during the next snow fall!

      Reply
    14. Jill

      December 06, 2017 at 2:31 pm

      It looks so decadent! I need to try this recipe. Loving your photos too.5 stars

      Reply
    15. Mira

      December 06, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      It looks so creamy that I'm going to make it right now!!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!5 stars

      Reply
    16. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      December 06, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply

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