Rich Dark Hot Chocolate

Jun 23, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Drinks Drinks beverages Vanilla: Extract Easy

A steaming mug of rich dark hot chocolate on a saucer, rich and glossy, with its toppings

A deeply chocolatey, silky hot chocolate made with high-quality dark chocolate and enhanced with pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.

Prep 5 min

Cook 5 min

Total 10 min

Yield 2 cups

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

cups

2.0 cups (480.0 ml)whole milk
4.0 oz (115.0 g)bittersweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
2.0 tbsp (25.0 g)granulated sugar
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract
pinch of fine sea salt

Make it at home

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, warm the whole milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the milk from heat and add the finely chopped dark chocolate, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt.
Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
Whisk the mixture vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Return the saucepan to very low heat and warm gently for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid scorching and to ensure the mixture is heated through.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve immediately for the best rich, smooth texture.

Tips

Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa for best flavor depth.
Vanilla extract intensifies the chocolate taste—don't skimp on it.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make rich dark hot chocolate?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 2 cups rich dark hot chocolate.

How should I store rich dark hot chocolate?

Store any leftover hot chocolate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Can I make rich dark hot chocolate ahead?

Prepare the hot chocolate mixture and keep warm refrigerated, reheat gently before serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

A deeply chocolatey, silky hot chocolate made with high-quality dark chocolate and enhanced with pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 2 servings this recipe makes.

229 Calories / serving

8.2g Fat

30.7g Carbs

7.9g Protein

31.5g Sugar

Whole recipe (2 servings): ~458 cal · 16g fat · 61g carbs · 16g protein · 63g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 229 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 43 min·2.5 mi·~5050 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 31 min·1.6 mi·~3100 steps
Moderate cycling 23 min·4.6 mi
Swimming laps 32 min
Jogging 22 min·1.8 mi·~3500 steps
Stair climbing 21 min·~1900 steps
Dancing 37 min
Bodyweight circuit training 23 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 53 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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