Experience the ultimate winter indulgence with this Thick Italian Hot Chocolate—an irresistibly rich, silky-smooth drink that’s a world apart from ordinary hot cocoa. If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a warm, chocolatey hug straight from a tiny Italian café, this treat will instantly transport you there.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Velvety Thick Texture: Unlike regular hot chocolate, this recipe delivers a spoonable, pudding-like drink that feels decadent and ultra-luxurious.
- Deep, Real Chocolate Flavor: High-quality dark chocolate and cocoa powder come together for a bold, authentic taste you just can’t get from a packet.
- Simple Ingredients, Instant Comfort: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create pure magic in under 30 minutes—perfect for cozy evenings or treating guests.
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you like it extra-dark, dairy-free, or spiced, it’s easy to adapt for any mood or craving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make Thick Italian Hot Chocolate, but each one is truly essential—the quality and proportions are what give this drink its signature richness, shine, and unforgettable flavor. Here’s how each ingredient earns its place in your mug:
- Dark Chocolate (3.5 ounces, chopped): Choose a good-quality bar (at least 60-70% cocoa) for a deep, luxurious taste and silky texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2½ tablespoons): Sifted to prevent lumps, cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate essence and helps with the drink’s body.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate, but you can adjust for your ideal level of sweetness.
- Milk (1 cup + 1 tablespoon, divided): Whole milk makes this drink ultra-creamy and smooth, though 2% will do—non-dairy swaps work, too.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): The magical thickener! It gives that irresistible, spoon-coating thickness, no heavy cream required.
Variations
The beauty of Thick Italian Hot Chocolate is how wonderfully it takes to personalization—whether you crave extra decadence, want to skip dairy, or love added flavors, it’s super simple to tweak your cup to perfection.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk (like oat, almond, or coconut) for a just-as-luxurious non-dairy treat.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of chili powder, or a drop of vanilla extract for extra flair and warming depth.
- Extra-Thick Dessert: Increase the cornstarch to 1½ teaspoons and serve in espresso cups as a drinkable chocolate pudding—spoon required!
- Sweetness Swap: Play with alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a different twist.
How to Make Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Prep Your Starch Slurry
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the milk with the cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps—this little step will guarantee your hot chocolate is velvety and thick without surprise starch clumps.
Step 2: Combine Cocoa and Sugar
Sift the unsweetened cocoa powder into a medium bowl, add the sugar, and whisk them together. Sifting ensures a smooth blend, so you skip that dreaded cocoa powder “dusting” on top later!
Step 3: Heat the Milk
Pour the remaining ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon milk into a small or medium saucepan. Heat over medium until just boiling, then immediately reduce the heat to low—keep a close eye so the milk doesn’t scald or form a skin.
Step 4: Thicken and Flavor
While whisking the hot milk, slowly pour in the milk-cornstarch mixture and continue whisking. Next, gradually add the cocoa-sugar mixture, whisking vigorously until the liquid is smooth, glossy, and starting to thicken up.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
Add the chopped dark chocolate and keep whisking gently for about 3 minutes, allowing it to melt and fully incorporate. The result? A pot of Thick Italian Hot Chocolate that’s rich, luscious, and ready to serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Quality Matters: Use the best dark chocolate you can find—low-quality chocolate will be flat and waxy, but real chocolate creates the signature depth and silkiness.
- Constant Whisking is Key: For smooth, lump-free results, keep whisking every step of the way, especially when adding cocoa and chocolate.
- Customize Thickness: The longer you cook and whisk on low heat, the thicker your hot chocolate will get—stop when you reach your perfect consistency.
- Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Thick Italian Hot Chocolate is meant to be savored freshly made, before it sets up further as it cools.
How to Serve Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
Garnishes
Swirl a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a cloud of softly whipped plant cream atop your mug for utter decadence, or sprinkle with shaved chocolate, a dusting of cocoa, or a few mini marshmallows for a playful finish. For grown-up flair, a little orange or lemon zest is divine!
Side Dishes
Thick Italian Hot Chocolate is practically a dessert on its own, but it’s even more magical with crisp Italian biscotti, buttery shortbread, ladyfingers, or a slice of classic pound cake on the side. Anything dunkable is a win!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your hot chocolate in small espresso cups for an authentic Italian café experience, or pour into clear glass mugs to show off its rich texture. For special occasions, top with a chocolate stick or set out a DIY “hot chocolate bar” with toppings for everyone to customize their own dreamy cup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Thick Italian Hot Chocolate cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—it will thicken more as it chills, almost like a spoonable chocolate custard!
Freezing
While not traditional, you can freeze cooled hot chocolate in single-serve containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, giving it a good whisk to revive its creamy consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour chilled hot chocolate into a saucepan and warm on low, whisking constantly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it until you reach that signature Thick Italian Hot Chocolate texture again.
FAQs
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger saucepan. Whisk often while heating, as the thickening happens faster with a larger volume. Serve immediately for the creamiest result.
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Can I make Thick Italian Hot Chocolate without cornstarch?
Cornstarch is what gives this hot chocolate its signature thick, velvety texture. If you need a substitute, potato starch or arrowroot powder will work similarly. Without a thickener, the drink will be much thinner.
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What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Opt for unsweetened, high-quality Dutch process or natural cocoa powder—avoid sweetened hot chocolate mixes, as they can make the drink overly sweet and grainy.
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How do I prevent lumps when making Thick Italian Hot Chocolate?
Sifting your cocoa powder, smoothly whisking the cornstarch with milk, and adding each ingredient slowly while whisking constantly are the trio of tricks for a perfectly smooth, lump-free drink.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for pure comfort in a cup, Thick Italian Hot Chocolate is a must-try—its luscious texture and soul-satisfying flavor will instantly brighten any gray day. I hope you treat yourself (and maybe a lucky friend or two!) to this little Italian luxury soon. Buon appetito!
Print
Thick Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and decadent treat with this recipe for Thick Italian Hot Chocolate. Made with dark chocolate and a blend of cocoa and sugar, this velvety hot chocolate is a luxurious way to warm up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Dark Chocolate:
- 3.5 ounces Dark Chocolate (good quality) (chopped into small pieces)
Sugar:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cocoa Powder:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cocoa unsweetened
Milk:
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon milk (2% or whole milk/divided)
Cornstarch:
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
Instructions
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup milk and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa into a medium bowl, then add the sugar and whisk together. Set aside.
- Heat Milk: In a small/medium pot, heat 3/4 cups + 1 tablespoon milk until boiling. Reduce heat to low.
- Blend Ingredients: Start whisking and add the milk/cornstarch mixture. Slowly add the cocoa mixture while continually whisking until smooth. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk for approximately 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to watch the Video at the top of the post!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 63mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
