{"id":1536102,"date":"2025-06-05T11:39:01","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T16:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/french-hot-chocolate\/"},"modified":"2025-06-05T11:40:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T16:40:33","slug":"french-hot-chocolate","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/french-hot-chocolate\/","title":{"rendered":"French Hot Chocolate"},"content":{"rendered":"
Luxurious and refined, French hot chocolate tastes like stepping out of the cold and into a Parisian cafe. This is no mere hot chocolate recipe<\/a>. Rich, creamy and made with real dark chocolate, this sweet sipper is more of a dessert than a drink. It’s perfect for a snowy afternoon, or served after a dinner with friends. The best part that is you probably have all of the supplies for this decadent treat in your kitchen right now.<\/p>\n French hot chocolate, or chocolat chaud<\/em>, is a far cry from the envelopes of powder you typically mix with hot water. The main difference is that it uses milk and heavy whipping cream as the base and adds high-quality dark chocolate, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar and some espresso powder. The texture is satiny, smooth and richer than most other hot chocolates. When you top this drink with a dollop of whipped cream and some shaved dark chocolate, it’s almost as unforgettable as a trip to the Louvre.<\/p>\n In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cream, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar and, if desired, espresso powder over medium heat until bubbles form around the sides of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat.<\/p>\n Whisk in the dark chocolate until it’s melted. Serve the French hot chocolate in mugs with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.<\/p>\n This drink tastes best when the chocolate has just melted, but if you have some extra, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. A mason jar is perfect for this job.<\/p>\n If your milk is fresh<\/a>, your French not-so-hot chocolate will last four days chilled in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n Reheat your hot chocolate in a saucepan on the stove over low heat so the milk doesn’t burn.<\/p>\n Brands like Lindt, Godiva and Ghiradelli are all good options, but if you look a little harder, you might discover a smaller chocolatier that makes the really good stuff! Bars like Divine, Raaka or Pascha can be spendy but are worth it for their flavor, conscientious farming practices and allergy awareness. Avoid chocolate chips and milk chocolate; they have stabilizing ingredients that melt inconsistently.<\/p>\n The French drink chocolate chaud<\/em>\u00a0and certain types of coffee out of bowls. A coffee mug<\/a> is terrific, but pulling out the vintage teacups and saucers for this drink is fun. You don’t need much of this luxurious treat, so a smaller cup is fine; even a demitasse or espresso cup might be the play if you want everyone at the party to have just a sip.<\/p>\n Do as the French and serve hot chocolate with flaky, buttery pastries<\/a>, bien<\/em> s\u00fbr<\/em>! Or think croissants<\/a> and creme brulee<\/a>, eclairs<\/a> and macarons<\/a>. Any of the best French desserts<\/a> fit the bill.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Decadently sweet with a touch of bitter bite, French hot chocolate combines cream and dark chocolate to create a drink that borders on fondue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":1536103,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304032,305513,306980,304423,304333,304328,305271,307018,305487,304338,305334,305339,303966,305003,304988,304408,304368,305524,303887,306848,305024,304350,324623,304016,304388,304005,303883,304473,304353,304403],"categories-v2":[308623,310840,310014,308821,308988,308319,308991,308984,308481,309216,310059,310796,308992,309337,309347,308495,308949,308935,308813,308745,310855,308478,309603,308965,309001,309177,308579,308752,308549,308476,308876,309005,308812],"coauthors":[343320],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Hot Chocolate 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Chocolate","datePublished":"2025-06-05","dateModified":"2025-06-05","prepTime":"PT10M","cookTime":"PT5M","totalTime":"PT15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Parisian-Sipping-Chocolate_EXPS_RC20_253968_E08_26_15b.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":"","description":"Throw that powdered drink mix to the side! It's time to make French hot chocolate with thick, rich cream and melted chunks of real dark chocolate.","recipeIngredient":["2\/3 cup 2% milk","2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream","1 teaspoon brown sugar","1\/2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar","1\/8 teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional","2 ounces dark chocolate candy bar, chopped","Whipped cream and chocolate shavings"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Sweeten the milk","text":"In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cream, brown sugar, confectioners' sugar and, if desired, espresso powder over medium heat until bubbles form around the sides of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/French-Hot-Chocolate_TOHX26_253968_MD_P2_04_30_1b.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the dark chocolate","text":"Whisk in the dark chocolate until it's melted. Serve the French hot chocolate in mugs with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/French-Hot-Chocolate_TOHX26_253968_MD_P2_04_30_2b.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"2 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kate McKiernan"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 226 calories","fatContent":"16g fat (10g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"27mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"43mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"24g carbohydrate (22g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"5g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.6666665,"reviewCount":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"Europe, French","video":{"@type":"VideoObject","name":"","description":"","thumbnailUrl":[""],"uploadDate":"","duration":"P0DT0H0M0S","contentUrl":""},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-12-26","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ernurse35"},"reviewBody":"It was good, but not quite what I what I was expecting. Probably will not make again.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-10-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Cupcake_k9"},"reviewBody":"While looking for a hot chocolate recipe I stumbled across this and saw espresso listed. I had to make it. What a perfect sipping treat on a cold night. Rich and flavorful","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-01-18","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ahmom"},"reviewBody":"Excellent! I was thinking that 1\/2 cup of chocolate wasn't going to be enough of a serving. I was wrong. I didn't bother with the espresso, can't stand the stuff.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"title":"","description":"","url":"","duration":"","mime_type":"video\/mp4","thumbnail_url":"","advertising":"","jw_id":"","jw_url":"","jw_thmub_url":"","jw_publish_date":""},"rms_legacy_id":"253968","romance_copy_dek":"Throw that powdered drink mix to the side! It's time to make French hot chocolate with thick, rich cream and melted chunks of real dark chocolate.","enhanced_recipe_title":"French Hot Chocolate","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2\/3 cup 2% milk","IngredientText":"2\/3 cup 2% milk"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream","IngredientText":"2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 teaspoon brown sugar","IngredientText":"1 teaspoon brown sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/8 teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional","IngredientText":"1\/8 teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 ounces dark chocolate candy bar, chopped","IngredientText":"2 ounces dark chocolate candy bar, chopped"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Whipped cream and chocolate shavings","IngredientText":"Whipped cream and chocolate shavings"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Parisian-Sipping-Chocolate_EXPS_RC20_253968_E08_26_15b.jpg","RecipeId":253968,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"French Hot Chocolate Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":"[dam-video dam-id=\"43661\" ol-id=\"T0732VB\"]","RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Parisian-Sipping-Chocolate_EXPS_RC20_253968_E08_26_15b.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Darlene","Lastname":"Brenden","City":"Salem","StateDescription":"Oregon","IsCommunityCook":true,"TimeCallout":"Prep\/Total Time: 15 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":2,"MaximumServingQuantity":2,"Yield":"2 servings.","DigitalTitle":"French Hot Chocolate","SubmittedTitle":"Parisian Sipping Chocolate","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4.67,"WebPublishedDate":"6\/5\/2025 11:39:01 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_RC20_253968_E08_26_13b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":10,"CookTimeInMinutes":5,"TotalTimeInMinutes":15,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":true,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Parisian Sipping Chocolate","OriginalSourceProject":"Parisian Sipping Chocolate","ContestPlacement":"3rd Place","Trailer":"What is French hot chocolate?<\/h2>\n
Ingredients for French Hot Chocolate<\/h2>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Sweeten the milk<\/h3>\n
MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Add the dark chocolate<\/h3>\n
MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
French Hot Chocolate Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store French Hot Chocolate<\/h2>\n
How long does French hot chocolate last?<\/h3>\n
How do you reheat French hot chocolate?<\/h3>\n
French Hot Chocolate Tips<\/h2>\n
TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What dark chocolate brand is best for French hot chocolate?<\/h3>\n
How should you serve French hot chocolate?<\/h3>\n
What do you serve with French hot chocolate?<\/h3>\n
French Hot Chocolate Tips<\/h2>
What can I use instead of espresso powder?<\/h3>Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor, but you may substitute coffee powder or omit it altogether.","Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"One of my fondest memories of Paris is sipping a cup of thick, dark hot chocolate at one of the patisseries there. Parisian hot chocolate is velvety smooth, rich and decadent and almost the consistency of a molten chocolate bar. It is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. I bought Parisian espresso cups so we could enjoy this at home. \u2014 Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"In a small saucepan, heat milk, cream, brown sugar, confectioners' sugar and, if desired, espresso powder over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan. Remove from heat. Whisk in dark chocolate until melted. Serve in mugs with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.","SequenceNo":1}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Cooking for Two","ID":304333},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Quick","ID":304350},{"Name":"Winning Recipes","ID":304353},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"Europe","ID":305334},{"Name":"French","ID":305339},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Beverages","ID":305513},{"Name":"Hot Chocolate","ID":305524},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"Appliances","ID":304032},{"Name":"Saucepan","ID":304016},{"Name":"Stovetop Cookware","ID":304005},{"Name":"Health & Wellness","ID":304988},{"Name":"Gluten-Free","ID":305003},{"Name":"Low-Sodium","ID":305024},{"Name":"Holidays & Events","ID":304368},{"Name":"Christmas","ID":304423},{"Name":"Holidays","ID":304408},{"Name":"Seasons","ID":304388},{"Name":"Valentine's Day","ID":304473},{"Name":"Winter","ID":304403},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Chocolate & Cocoa","ID":306980},{"Name":"Dark Chocolate","ID":307018},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":6,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1\/2 cup: 226 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.","NoOfRatings":3,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Parisian-Sipping-Chocolate_EXPS_RC20_253968_E08_26_15b.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Parisian-Sipping-Chocolate_EXPS_RC20_253968_E08_26_15b.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":true,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":["https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/108\/OriginalSize\/CS_RC20_253968_E08_26_15b.jpeg","https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/108\/OriginalSize\/CS_RC20_253968_E08_26_14b.jpeg","https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/108\/OriginalSize\/CS_RC20_253968_E08_26_13b.jpeg"],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[{"TipType":"Test Kitchen Tips (Bullets)","TipTitle":"","TipText":"
Test Kitchen tips<\/b>