Italian Hot Chocolate – Thick and Decadent

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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 tastedit 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 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 festive hot drinks you might enjoy

A close up of Italian hot chocolate

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Italian Hot Chocolate

5 from 16 votes

By Emily

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 - 6 people
Thick, smooth and creamy Italian hot chocolate, a decadent and indulgent festive treat.
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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

Calories: 164kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment below!
5 from 16 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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30 Comments

  1. Bonnie says:

    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 Iโ€™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

    1. Emily says:

      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!

  2. Kelly says:

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

    1. Emily says:

      Thank you! You can use either to make it, whole milk will give it a richer taste ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Tiffany L Olivas says:

    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!!

    1. Emily says:

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

  4. Christine says:

    Itโ€™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

    1. Emily says:

      Amazing!! So happy you enjoyed it ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Alessandra says:

    Can you use regular white sugar in this!? Dying to try but I canโ€™t find caster sugar at any of my grocery stores

    1. Inside the rustic kitchen says:

      Sure, you can use regular white sugar too!

    2. Ashanti says:

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

  6. Pina Bresciani says:

    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

    1. Inside the rustic kitchen says:

      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!