The quintessential wintertime beverage, in our home, has got to be hot chocolate. We drink it all winter long, not just during the holiday season. While hot cocoa bombs might be the biggest trend right now, I’ll always go back to this favorite EASY Stovetop Hot Cocoa recipe. It’s such a decadent treat that we all love on a cold winter night.

Some might say that this is the traditional or old-fashioned way to prepare hot cocoa. For us, it’s the quickest way to enjoy it, without opening a package of instant hot chocolate. I’ve made it during the holiday season and prepared a bar of toppings – the kids think that it’s so much fun. 

For adults, this is also a really great base to enjoy a spiked version of hot coca – just add your favorite liqueur.

How To Make Easy Stovetop Hot Cocoa

In total, this hot cocoa takes about 5 minutes to throw together. That’s what I love most about it. It’s just simple and easy to do. I always keep cocoa powder in the house, just to make this in a pinch. You never know when we’re going to have a snow day and need a fresh batch.

Awesome Stovetop Hot Cocoa Topping Choices

Make your hot cocoa even more fun, by putting together some toppings. Creating a hot cocoa bar is easy to do. You just need a spread of delicious topping ideas. Here are my favorite hot cocoa toppings:

• Fresh Whipped Cream
• Miniature Marshmallows (or homemade marshmallows) 
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate Candies (Andes Mint, Reeces Pieces, M&M’s)
• Chocolate Syrup
• Caramel

If you’re serving adults that want to spike the hot coca, have some classic options available. Bourbon, Red Wine, Whiskey, Bailey’s and Kahlua work great. They’re such a delicious treat to enjoy in hot cocoa.

What To Do With Leftover Stovetop Hot Cocoa

So you really can’t freeze leftover hot cocoa. You can place any leftovers in the refrigerator to re-heat at a later time. However, you might have some separation. Make sure you stir well as you re-heat your cocoa.

Can You Freeze Hot Cocoa?

Actually yes! You can freeze hot cocoa if you have no toppings on it and use an airtight food storage container. Freeze it up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before heating again over the stove top. Since it only takes a few minutes to make a fresh batch, I prefer to make new Stovetop Hot Coca every time.

What You’ll Need From The Grocery Store:

• Whole Milk
• Cocoa Powder
• Vanilla Extract
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• Sugar
• Salt

Step-By-Step Directions To Make Stovetop Hot Cocoa

Heat 1 cup of milk in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt.

Add the cocoa powder and sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth and all of the lumps are removed.

Add the remaining milk and whisk even more. Heat the hot chocolate mixture until very warm, but do not boil.

Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and add semi-sweet morsels. Mix until the chocolate is melted. Add vanilla if desired.

Pour the hot cocoa into your favorite mugs and enjoy! Top with whatever toppings you like most – or nothing at all.