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French Hot Chocolate
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Forget packets of powdered hot chocolate, make this luxurious French hot chocolate or le chocolat chaud instead. Sometimes called “drinking chocolate” because it’s thick and creamy and can almost be eaten with a spoon, it’s served in cups rather than large mugs. It tastes much richer than the American hot chocolate you may be used to. I love making this in place of a dessert on a cold winter night or to top of a meal during the holiday season! I recommend using good quality chocolate for this recipe if it’s available to you. For a chilly twist, check out my frozen hot chocolate. And for a more classic hot chocolate with a toasted finish, try this s’mores hot chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-rich and indulgent. Thick, creamy, and luxurious—almost like a dessert in a cup.
- Better than American hot chocolate. French hot chocolate is velvety, intense, and made with high-quality chocolate.
- Perfect winter treat. Ideal for cozy nights, holiday celebrations, or as a decadent dessert alternative.
European Hot Chocolate vs. American Hot Chocolate
I was first introduced to it when I studied abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland. Our hosts brought us to a small cafe to keep us from experiencing the effects of jetlag and opted to ply us with sugar instead. European-style hot chocolate, called chocolat chaud in French and cioccolata calda in Italian, is much richer, creamier and denser than American hot chocolate. The American version is more similar to the consistency of broth.
European-style hot chocolate is typically made with cocoa powder or dark chocolate, milk, cream and sometimes a thickening agent like cornstarch. Paris, France’s famous Cafe Angelina makes their famous drinking chocolate with a combination of African cocoa from Niger, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Chocolate – High quality dark chocolate is the key to achieving the perfect balance of chocolate flavor in this recipe. I like brands like Ghirardelli, Lindt and Tony’s. Milk chocolate can be overly sweet so even if you aren’t typically a big dark chocolate fan, I recommend giving it a try in this recipe since it’s balanced with other ingredients.
- Heavy cream – I add heavy cream (the thick part of the milk that rises to the top due to its high fat content) to the hot chocolate to create a rich, creamy texture. I also whip some of the cream for a homemade whipped cream topping.
- Whole milk – Whole milk is actually comprised of only 3.25% milk fat and is referred to as “whole” because of its unaltered nutritional state. It provides the bulk of the liquid for the hot chocolate.
- Brown sugar – Since the dark chocolate isn’t as sweet, it’s balanced with a touch of brown sugar.
- Cornstarch – Cornstarch works as a thickening agent and helps create a smooth and velvety texture in this recipe. Whisking it with the sugar before adding it to the hot chocolate keeps lumps from forming.
- Flakey sea salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Best Hot Chocolate
- Use high quality ingredients. Because this recipe is made with a few simple ingredients, the quality matters. Don’t use chocolate chips or a lower quality chocolate and expect the same rich flavor.
- Make sure the dairy is warm. Make sure the cream and milk mixture is heated before whisking in the chocolate.
- Patience is key. Don’t try to rush heating the milk and cream or melting the chocolate. You don’t want to scald the dairy.
- Don’t use water. Water creates a thin hot chocolate and takes away the rich and creamy consistency you want here. In my opinion it would be a waste of good (and expensive) chocolate!
Swaps and substitutions
- Dairy-free: To make this recipe dairy free, I recommend using a full fat coconut milk so it still has the creamy consistency of cream and whole milk.
- Garnish: Serve with a splash of Irish cream, a cinnamon stick, vanilla extract or garnish with a peppermint stick for a variation. I prefer to garnish it simply with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream
Add ¾ cup (180g) chilled heavy cream to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Increase the speed of the mixer to medium-high, beating until the cream forms stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to Make French Hot Chocolate (Step-by-Step)
In a medium saucepan whisk together the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until small bubbles form around the edges but do not let the mixture come to a boil.
In a small bowl whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add to the milk mixture, whisking to combine.
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chocolate, stirring constantly until it’s completely melted. Return to medium-low heat if needed.
Divide among cups and top with whipped cream and additional chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Use a high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor and texture. Chocolate with at least 60% cacao works the best.
Yes! Swap the whole milk or cream for almond, oat, or coconut milk. For extra richness, you can use coconut cream.
French hot chocolate, or chocolat chaud, is made with more chocolate and less milk than American hot chocolate, creating a dense, spoonable consistency.
It’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess, but you can gently reheat leftovers over low heat, whisking to restore smoothness.
Yes! Add a splash of vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of chili for a unique twist.
If your French hot chocolate turns out chunky, it’s usually because the chocolate didn’t fully melt, the cornstarch wasn’t evenly blended, or the mixture overheated. To fix this, gently reheat over low heat while stirring constantly, whisk thoroughly, or use an immersion blender to smooth out any clumps. You can also strain the hot chocolate for an extra-silky texture.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this French hot chocolate recipe, give these a try and follow me on Instagram for more updates:
I hope you love these French hot chocolate recipe. If you make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy!
French Hot Chocolate
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Ingredients:
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon flakey sea salt
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- Homemade whipped cream, for garnish
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan whisk together the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until small bubbles form around the edges but do not let the mixture come to a boil.
- In a small bowl whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add to the milk mixture, whisking to combine.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chocolate, stirring constantly until it’s completely melted. Return to medium-low heat if needed.
- Divide among cups and top with whipped cream and additional chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.
Notes:
Nutrition:
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I tried this recipe yesterday, it was legendary delicious. I look forward to more of your recipes.
So happy to hear you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing!
make donuts next time thats my comment
hommer Stop eating all the donuts
I got bullied for this, it’s was chunky
Thanks for your feedback! I’m sorry to hear it turned out chunky. This might have happened because the chocolate isn’t fully melted, if the cornstarch isn’t evenly blended, or if the mixture burns. To avoid this in the future, try gently heating the milk over low heat, stirring continuously, and whisking the cornstarch thoroughly before adding it. An immersion blender can also help create a silky texture by breaking up any clumps (you can also strain it). I hope you’ll give it another try!
The recipe calls for “dark chocolate”.
Is that unsweetened chocolate?
Thank you
While dark chocolate can be unsweetened, not all unsweetened chocolate is dark chocolate! I recommend looking for a dark chocolate bar made with around 65%-70% chocolate liquor (it will be just the right amount of sweet and rich).
Can you use light brown sugar instead of the dark brown sugar?
Yes! The difference is minimal in this recipe!
I made this recipe as a special treat while we decorated the tree! It was a huge success and has quickly become part of our tree decorating tradition! It was so rich and creamy. I will definitely make it for Christmas day as well.
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this French hot chocolate deserves a standing ovation. From the very first sip, I knew this recipe was something extraordinary. It’s unbelievably rich, silky, and decadent-like drinking a melted chocolate truffle, but somehow even better.
The balance of flavors is perfect: deep, luxurious chocolate with just the right touch of sweetness and that creamy, velvety texture you only get from real French-style chocolate. I’ve tried countless hot chocolate recipes over the years, and nothing has ever come close to this. It feels like something you’d be served in a tiny Parisian café on a snowy morning.
It’s warm, indulgent comfort in a mug, and genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. I’ll be making this again… and again… and again.
So happy it was a hit! Thank you for sharing!
My wife made this the other day while we were decorating the tree. It was delicious and I will be requesting it every year. Thank you Kylie for all your amazing recipes. We have loved every single one we have tried!!! The French chocolate is at the top of the list.
This is the BEST hot chocolateI have ever tasted. It was so amazing. This will be my Christmas morning go to for the children. Also, we will leave some for Santa!!! 5 stars for sure!!!
I made this for my kids (but really wanted it as a treat for myself) after school yesterday. The PERFECT cold-weather treat. Smooth, thick, and creamy!!! I loved it, and my kids loved it too.
so glad you enjoyed this treat!
Delicious winter drink. Will have it again – and again!