Italian Hot Chocolate

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min.
Yield 4 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Italian hot chocolate is hot cocoa’s sophisticated cousin. This version is extremely chocolaty and completely satiating with its thick viscosity. Every sip will warm you right to your very bones.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk, divided
  • 1 tablespoon baking cocoa
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces dark baking chocolate
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Whipped cream, optional

Directions

  1. Pour 3/4 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, whisk together baking cocoa, sugar and salt. Whisk mixture into the saucepan; bring to a low simmer. Whisk in dark chocolate and vanilla extract until chocolate has melted.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1/4 cup milk and cornstarch until dissolved. Whisk mixture into saucepan; bring to a simmer 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
  3. Pour hot chocolate into four espresso glasses or tea cups. If desired, dollop with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 ounces: 200 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.

Italian hot chocolate is thicker, creamier and chocolatier than your average, thanks to a bit of cornstarch and real chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream is the Italian equivalent of marshmallows. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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