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–+ servings
Hands holding a cup of white hot chocolate drink topped with cream and sprinkles.
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5 from 6 votes

White Chocolate Hot Chocolate

White hot chocolate is a deeply satisfying drink that is sweet, but not too sweet. Make it on the hob or in the microwave in less than 10 minutes. This homemade white chocolate drink can be dressed up with all manner of goodies to suit the season or occasion.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American, British, Worldwide
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Calories: 273kcal
Author: Jane Coupland

Ingredients

  • 360 ml Whole milk (full-fat)
  • 60 g White chocolate at least 20% cocoa butter content
  • Pinch Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Metric - US Customary

Instructions

Method 1: Make on the hob /stovetop

  • If using block chocolate, use a sharp knife to chop it finely
  • Put the milk in a saucepan and warm, over a moderate heat, for 1 minute then add the chocolate and salt to the pan
  • Continue to heat, stirring often to prevent the chocolate from burning on the bottom of the pan, until the chocolate has melted. Then heat to around 70-80C (160-180F). Do not allow it to boil. You can use a digital thermometer to check the temperature if you like
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract
  • Froth the milk (optional) with a stick blender
  • Serve, topped with whipped cream and garnishes if desired

Method 2: Make in the microwave

  • If using block chocolate, use a sharp knife to chop it finely
  • Put the milk into a microwave-safe jug and warm on moderate heat (not full-power) for 45 seconds
  • Stir, then add the chocolate and salt
  • Heat again for another 30 seconds then stir
  • Heat for 30 more seconds and stir again. By now the chocolate is likely to be melting well
  • Continue to heat in 15-second bursts (stirring each time) until the drink is hot enough
  • Stir the vanilla extract through
  • Froth the milk (optional) with a stick blender
  • Serve, topped with whipped cream and garnishes if desired

Notes

Expert Tips
  • For the creamiest drink use full-fat milk. Remember: the higher the fat content in milk, the more decadent the hot chocolate will taste. Semi-skimmed milk can be used, but the result will be a less luxurious drink
  • I don't recommend skimmed milk for any hot chocolate drinks - the result is always disappointing when made with this ingredient
  • Warm the milk over moderate heat and stir it often. Avoid using high heat and boiling it as this could cause the chocolate to burn and seize
  • There is no need to heat the milk excessively. Once the chocolate has melted heat the liquid to 70-80C (160-180F), then serve. It will still need to cool before it can be consumed without scalding, so heating beyond this temperature is unnecessary
  • If you are tempted to increase the amount of white chocolate used in this recipe do so cautiously. It is very easy to tip the balance and end up with a drink that is too sweet to be truly enjoyable
  • Similarly, taste before adding any sweetener - I doubt you'll need any, to be honest
  • To achieve a frothy top, use a milk frother or a handheld immersion blender to briefly blitz the hot chocolate until frothy. (Note: Ensure that the milk comes well below halfway in the pan otherwise it might splash over the edge)
  • Once frothed, you may need to return the pan to the heat briefly to bring it back up to temperature
  • A yellow layer around the top of this drink is totally normal and nothing to worry about. When the chocolate melts, so does the cocoa butter within the chocolate. The off-white/ yellow layer on the top of your hot white chocolate is a sign that your chocolate does actually contain cocoa butter rather than artificial colours and vegetable oil (often used in cheaper versions of white chocolate).
 
The best chocolate to use
 
White chocolate should contain a minimum of 20% cocoa butter (this is an EU standard). Generally speaking, the higher the percentage of cocoa butter, the better, so aim for higher than this level if you can (it's possible to find bars with up to 36% cocoa butter). Avoid any bar with less than 20% cocoa butter as it most likely contains a high proportion of vegetable oil.
The chocolate should also contain milk powder, sugar and emulsifier plus any natural flavourings (such as vanilla). Bars listing additional ingredients, such as vegetable oil or palm oil, are causes for concern and best avoided.
 
 
Make it in Advance
 
This drink can be made in advance. Simple make as instructed, allow to cool, then decant into a jug or bottle and store for in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or in the microwave when required.
A skin may form as the drink cools, just skim this off and discard.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 104mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 301IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 1mg