Hot Chocolate Versus Hot Chocolate Milk
When you’re craving hot chocolate, what do you reach for? Do you grab a hot chocolate mix? Reach for the cane sugar and cocoa powder and mix it up yourself? Do you melt chocolate bars into milk? Or, do you grab your favorite carton of chocolate milk from the fridge and heat it up? Spoiler alert — there is no wrong answer here! Let's dive into hot chocolate versus hot chocolate milk.
We are in the middle of winter and hot chocolate has probably been on your weekly menu, at least I know it has been for me! I’ve been making my Creamy Dark Hot Chocolate With Homemade Whipped Cream, Caramel Hot Cocoa, or Chai Tea Hot Chocolate almost daily!
In This Baking Guide
- Difference between hot chocolate versus hot chocolate milk
- Ingredients in chocolate milk
- Ingredients in hot chocolate
- Hot chocolate recipes to try
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When it comes to cozy sipping season, nothing competes with the rich flavor of homemade cocoa — whether you’re ladling it straight from a slow cooker or crockpot for effortless warmth all afternoon, or whisking it up in a saucepan on the stove top with chocolate chips, chunks of chocolate bars, and a sprinkle of fluffy marshmallows on top. In this guide, we break down the key differences between classic hot chocolate versus hot chocolate milk — from silky texture and cocoa intensity to how you stir and whisk each version to perfection — so you can choose the recipe that hits your comfort spot just right.
– Mimi
When you're craving hot cocoa, you can buy organic hot chocolate mix (like Lake Champlain) or you can easily make your own with cane sugar and cocoa powder. Learn How to Make Hot Cocoa Mix for Gifts, which is the easy 2 ingredient hot chocolate mix recipe we sold at my bake shop for over a decade.
But what is the difference between hot chocolate and chocolate milk? Have you ever wondered…is hot chocolate just chocolate milk? And can you make hot chocolate with chocolate milk? These are all valid questions and I’m answering them all today.
How do you make hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate is made with milk, cane sugar, and cocoa powder. Usually, Dutch cocoa powder is used, but natural could also be used. It can also include chopped up dark chocolate bars or milk chocolate for extra richness. It really depends on the recipe. There is no right or wrong way to mix your favorite kind of chocolate, milk, and sugar together!
After the ingredients are added into a small saucepan, put over the stovetop, whisk, and heat the mixture until it reaches 140°F (which is ideal drinking temperature, in my opinion). The result is a beautiful creamy and cozy drink.
While some people make hot chocolate with water (not okay, sorry I have to say that), it is not the norm. If you go out to a coffee shop or look up a recipe for hot chocolate, it will include milk! Coconut milk or other non dairy milks are a great option if you need dairy free, like in my Coconut Hot Chocolate.
How do you make chocolate milk?
To make chocolate milk, you'll combine milk, cane sugar, cocoa (or melted chocolate) and usually vanilla extract. Mix up over high heat to combine completely (adding vanilla in last, after the heating). Then, it’s transferred to the fridge to cool and become the cold glass of chocolate milk that you know and love.
Some chocolate milks will also include stabilizers (like carrageenan or cornstarch) so that the chocolate doesn't separate from the milk and sink to the bottom. The organic brands will usually leave that out and tell you that separation is natural, like Straus Family Creamery. They make one of my absolute favorite chocolate milks in a glass bottle. And, when you buy it, the chocolate is all on the bottom, you have to shake it up!
Is hot chocolate just chocolate milk?
Essentially, yes. Hot chocolate can be a mix of cane sugar, cocoa powder, and/or melted chocolate. Chocolate milk uses the same ingredients with sometimes the addition of vanilla extract. But, there's no rule saying you can't add vanilla extract (or almond or mint) into hot cocoa either. Chocolate milk is a little sweeter and hot chocolate is usually a little richer. So, the ratios of ingredients may differ slightly. But they contain the same ingredients! So, essentially the answer is yes.
Can you make hot chocolate with chocolate milk?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite chocolate milk, then you will probably love that chocolate milk warmed up and turned into hot cocoa in minutes! You can use any chocolate milk you like, heat over the stovetop or in the microwave, and you have easy hot cocoa!
Bottom Line
Chocolate milk and hot chocolate are very similar. They are made up of the same ingredients, but their recipes may differ slightly as far as sweetness and richness. If you like a certain chocolate milk, chances are, you’ll love it warmed up as hot chocolate! So, no need to go searching for hot chocolate recipes or making a mess in the kitchen when you have chocolate milk.
Simply add chocolate milk to a pot and heat it up for instant hot chocolate goodness! Top it with Homemade Organic Whipped Cream, Homemade Marshmallows Without Eggs, Homemade Cherry Marshmallows, or Homemade Chocolate Marshmallows Without Eggs. Or even drizzle the top with Gingerbread Caramel Sauce, Homemade True Caramel, or Brown Butter Butterscotch Sauce for the ultimate treat.
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
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