French-Style Hot Chocolate
This is the kind of hot chocolate you sip slowly. Thick, creamy, and made with real chocolate, it feels straight out of a French café. Simple ingredients, really good texture and flavor.
Servings to 6
Ingredients
HOT CHOCOLATE
- 2 1/3 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
WHIPPED CREAM
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
MAKE THE HOT CHOCOLATE
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the milk, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until steaming but not boiling.
- Add the chopped chocolate and pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream before serving.
WHIPPED CREAM
- Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
- Whip on medium speed until the mixture thickens and soft, billowy peaks form.
- Stop mixing as soon as the whipped cream looks smooth and fluffy—overmixing will make it grainy and less smooth.
Notes
Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A: Yes. Dark chocolate works beautifully here and makes the hot chocolate richer and less sweet. I actually used a blend of milk and dark in Paris because I couldn't find semi-sweet. You can add a little more brown sugar if needed if using exclusively dark chocolate. Q: What makes this French-style hot chocolate?
A: It’s made with melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder, giving it a thick consistency. Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, whisking well to bring it back together.
A: Yes. Dark chocolate works beautifully here and makes the hot chocolate richer and less sweet. I actually used a blend of milk and dark in Paris because I couldn't find semi-sweet. You can add a little more brown sugar if needed if using exclusively dark chocolate. Q: What makes this French-style hot chocolate?
A: It’s made with melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder, giving it a thick consistency. Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, whisking well to bring it back together.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!