French hot chocolate, also known as Parisian hot chocolate or le chocolat chaud, is rich and decadent hot chocolate, nothing like the hot chocolate we know here in the States. This French hot chocolate recipe is easy to make and makes a delicious treat perfect for chilly winter days and the holiday season!
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I’m pretty sure hot chocolate has been a staple during the winter for as long as most of us can remember. And while it’s more popular among children, no winter or Christmas would seem completely without at least one good cup of hot chocolate!
Growing up I drank whatever hot cocoa mix my mum brought home from the store when I got a little older and began playing around with homemade recipes.
I’d make my own mix using sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, which I would mix with hot water. Sometimes if I was feeling fancy I would melt good quality chocolate chips in hot milk, and call it ‘real’ hot chocolate.
To make a very long story short, I spent most of my life drinking standard American hot chocolate, having not the slightest idea that this rich and creamy hot chocolate enjoyed throughout most of Europe but, especially in Italy and France even existed!
Needless to say, as soon as I did, I couldn’t rest until I learned how to make it home. I can’t promise this is the most authentic of recipes, but I feel it still does justice to its inspiration.
This hot chocolate is full of rich flavor, its creamy texture is simply to die for, and it’s honestly one of my favorite recipes!
How to make French hot chocolate
Ingredients
- whole milk (see notes for dairy-free options)
- heavy cream (see notes for dairy-free options)
- sugar, I like to use cane sugar for this recipe, but you can also white sugar, brown sugar, and even powdered sugar!
- espresso powder, optional
- good quality bittersweet chocolate, for the best results, be sure to use good chocolate, splurge a little, and good a bar of fancy chocolate! You can also order top-quality chocolate online!
- vanilla extract
- chocolate shavings, for serving
- fresh whipped cream, for serving. Be sure to see the notes for my quick and easy homemade whipped cream recipe!
Directions.
Chop the bittersweet chocolate into small pieces, roughly 1/4-1/2 -inch. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and espresso powder if using.
Continue whisking the mixture, until small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan, this means the mixture is hot. You can also dip the tip of your pinky finger carefully into the mixture to make sure it is hot. Be sure to watch the mixture closely to ensure that the milk doesn’t scald!
Remove the pan from the heat, and add the chopped chocolate, whisk gently until the chocolate is completely melted.
Pour the finished hot chocolate into 2 large mugs or 4 small mugs. Top with lots of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Enjoy!
Notes
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free! You can use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any dairy-free option you like to replace the whole milk and heavy cream!
To make my super easy homemade whipped cream, simply combine, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsps powdered sugar, and 3 tsp vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat using an electric mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Enjoy!
You can also top homemade French hot chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper! Feel free to add marshmallows, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or any of your favorite hot chocolate toppings!
Be sure to use actual chocolate for this recipe. To get the best hot chocolate, you are going to want to use the best chocolate you can find. Make sure to avoid chocolate-flavored bars, cheap milk chocolate, and semisweet chocolate for this recipe. Bittersweet or good dark chocolate will give you the best results!
Any leftover French hot chocolate can be cooled down and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. But personally, I find this recipe is best served and enjoyed immediately.
Be sure to check out these delicious hot drinks too!
Homemade white Chocolate Pumpkin Latte
The perfect black tea latte (ready in less than 5 minutes!)
Easy Homemade White Chocolate Espresso
50+ Festive Christmas Coffee Drinks and Lattes
French Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (see notes for dairy-free options)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (see notes for dairy-free options)
- 2-6 tsp sugar, more or less to taste I like to use cane sugar for this recipe, but you can also white sugar, brown sugar, and even powdered sugar!
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder optional
- 8 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate for the best results, be sure to use good chocolate, splurge a little, and good a bar of fancy chocolate! You can also order top-quality chocolate online!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For serving
- chocolate shavings
- lots of whipped cream Be sure to see the notes for my quick and easy homemade whipped cream recipe!
Instructions
- Chop the bittersweet chocolate into small pieces, roughly 1/4-1/2 -inch. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and espresso powder if using.
- Continue whisking the mixture, until small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan, this means the mixture is hot. You can also dip the tip of your pinky finger carefully into the mixture to make sure it is hot. Be sure to watch the mixture closely to ensure that the milk doesn't scald!
- Remove the pan from the heat, and add the chopped chocolate, whisk gently until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Pour the finished hot chocolate into 2 large mugs or 4 small mugs. Top with lots of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
- Enjoy!
Rebecca
I am saving this recipe for sure oh my goodness!