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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    Best Italian Hot Chocolate - Thick and Creamy!

    Published: Aug 10, 2020 · Modified: Dec 10, 2021 by Andrea

    Jump to Recipe

    Learn how to make the BEST Italian hot chocolate at home! Thick and creamy cioccolata calda in 10 minutes with just 5 ingredients!

    If you have never tried smooth, creamy and thick Italian hot chocolate before, then you are definitely missing out.

    thick italian hot chocolate in a clear mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings

    Italian cioccolata calda is a creamy and luxuriously rich chocolate drink with pudding-like consistency.

    Instead of water and cocoa powder, it's made with milk, good dark chocolate, sugar and a secret ingredient that helps make it super rich and thick.

    This is the most incredible and comforting drink you can have to beat the cold weather. 

    It has nothing to do with the watery hot chocolate, drinking chocolate or hot cocoa often served at bars and cafeterias around the world.

    I'm a big hot choc aficionado, and I've tasted (and tested) in many countries such as Japan, France, Germany and UK, but not once I had something as close as the decadent Italian version.

    The best hot chocolate I've ever had is served at Caffè Rivoire - Master Chocolatiers, right in front of the famous Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, Italy.

    If you happen to be in the neighbourhood, make sure not to miss it.

    But if you can't fly to Florence, don’t worry, you can make it at home in just 10 minutes.

    INGREDIENTS

    All you need to make Italian style cioccolata calda is 5 simple and easy ingredients:

    • fresh milk: feel free to use whole or semi-skimmed milk.
    • high-quality cocoa powder: I like to use the Madagascar variety, but any unsweetened cocoa powder will work.
    • 70% high-quality organic dark chocolate: the quality of the chocolate is critical to the final result, so get the best one you can find.
    • sugar: my go-to is old classic white sugar for this recipe.
    • cornflour: Yes, I know it sounds weird, but you definitely need cornflour to make deliciously thick hot chocolate.

    The SECRET Ingredient

    You read it right, cornflour is the secret ingredient that makes this Italians tyle cioccolata calda so thick and creamy.

    Don't worry about the flavour, corn starch goes completely undetectable over your palate, but it will give you that amazing thick texture.

    Also, corn starch is naturally gluten-free, but if you have any dietary restrictions, please make sure you buy cornflour that is labelled gluten-free.

    What's the best chocolate to use?

    To bring out the amazing chocolate aroma use the best dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips you can find.

    There are lots of good brands out there, just remember that good chocolate should be made only with cocoa mass, cocoa butter and sugar (some add vanilla too).

    You can also use milk chocolate if you like (again, go for high-quality chocolate), but note that it will give you a sweeter result.

    HOW TO MAKE THICK HOT CHOCOLATE

    thick italian hot chocolate in a clear mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings

    The recipe couldn't be easier and requires only super basic kitchen tools.

    I promise, once you have all the ingredients ready, it takes literally 10 minutes from nothing to an AMAZING mug of thick and creamy hot choc.

    Step 1. Prep dry ingredients first, then add milk.

    • Start by whisking cornflour, cocoa and sugar in a small pot, then pour the warm milk into the pot.

    Step 2. Warm the mixture, add chocolate.

    • Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking often to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture almost to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and fold in the chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips).

    Step 3. Whisk and let the magic happen.

    • Whisk the drinking chocolate until it reaches a creamy and dense texture, adding more sugar if you like it sweeter.
    • Divide it among two cups, top with freshly whipped double cream and serve. 

    VARIATIONS

    Once you have mastered the basic version, add a little twist and include one of the following add-ons:

    • a pinch of salt ( sea salt flakes is even better!)
    • few drops of pure vanilla extract
    • a drop of your favourite liquor (Baileys, Rum and Grand Marnier all work amazingly well)
    • a pinch of cinnamon

    WHAT TO TOP IT WITH?

    Some favourite toppings include:

    • whipped cream
    • extra cocoa powder
    • mini marshmallows
    • a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or dulce de leche
    • crushed toasted hazelnuts

    CAN I MAKE IT VEGAN?

    If you wonder if it's possible to make creamy, rich and dairy-free hot cocoa, yes, it's totally possible!

    To make a vegan version, replace the warm milk with hot water and follow the same recipe.

    Skip the whipped double cream, or replace it with whipped coconut cream for a super indulgent treat.

    MORE ITALIAN DESSERT RECIPES TO TRY

    • Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
    • The EASIEST Vegan Chocolate Muffins
    • 2-Ingredient Nutella Cake
    • Magic Italian Water Cake
    • Classic Tiramisu Without Eggs - Authentic Italian Recipe
    • Italian Apple Cake - Torta di Mele
    • Crostata - Italian Jam Tart

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

    Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook! Looking at your pictures always makes me smile *and super hungry*!

    thick italian hot chocolate in a clear mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
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    4.97 from 26 votes

    Best Italian Hot Chocolate - Thick and Creamy

    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Learn how to make the BEST Italian hot chocolate at home! Thick and creamy cioccolata calda in 10 minutes with just 5 ingredients!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Italian
    Serving: 2
    Calories: 565kcal
    Author: Andrea Soranidis - The Petite Cook

    Ingredients

    • 5 teaspoon high-quality organic cocoa powder, (20 g)
    • 4 teaspoon cornstarch, (20 g)
    • 4 teaspoon sugar, (25 g)
    • 500 ml fresh whole milk, warmed, (17.5 fl oz)
    • 120 g 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped, (4oz)

    To serve:

    • 2 tablespoon fresh whipped cream, (optional)

    Instructions

    • Whisk the cornstarch, cocoa and sugar in a small pot.
    • Pour the warm milk into the pot.
    • Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking often to avoid lumps.
    • Bring the hot chocolate mixture almost to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and fold in the chopped dark chocolate. 
    • Whisk the hot chocolate until creamy and dense, adding more sugar if you like it sweeter.
    • Divide the Italian hot chocolate among two cups, top with whipped cream and serve. 

    Video

    Notes

    Storage tips
    For best results, I recommend you drink it straight away, as it will become denser as it cools.
    Did you try this recipe? Tag @thepetitecook or use the hashtag #thepetitecook - Looking at your pictures makes my day!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 797mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Calcium: 326mg | Iron: 7mg

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Originally published in November 2015 and updated with more helpful info.

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    Comments

    1. Lisa Rao says

      November 21, 2021 at 11:22 pm

      5 stars
      This is similar to my grandmother's hot chocolate that we make every Christmas Eve as a special treat. However you do NOT need cornstarch as the recipe states, we never do. Just up the powdered chocolate and trust me, it will be fine. The longer you cook it, the thicker it gets. We also add a little anisette which we love, but that's up to you! Enjoy!!!

      Reply
    2. Mia Sangster says

      June 12, 2020 at 10:46 pm

      5 stars
      patiently following the directions of this recipe will assure you of the best cup of hot chocolate you can possibly get. Made well, this Hot chocolate is beyond luxurious,beyond a treat...it is simply an experience....a very impressive one.As ive written, its well worth mastering the instructions & starting off small before making larger quantities. we have found it worth every calorie bc of that experience that it is. Drinking this does make it impossible to ever really enjoy simple "pre mixed" drinking chocolate ever again though....& thats our ONLY warning:) God bless you for this recipe - ty

      Reply
    3. Lam Smith says

      January 30, 2020 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      Being a chocoholic, I must try this recipe in this weekend.

      Reply
    4. Healthy Kitchen says

      December 25, 2018 at 3:46 am

      5 stars
      hmmm, did it for me and my bf and it was amazing, we both liked it a lot!! Definitely become my fav for these chilly days! - Natalie

      Reply
    5. Marina says

      December 18, 2018 at 10:21 am

      5 stars
      I make this recipe for my nieces every weekend, they love it!

      Reply
    6. Jessica Formicola says

      August 13, 2018 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect comforting drink for cold weather!

      Reply
    7. Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says

      August 13, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      My daughter LOVES hot chocolate and this looks like one she -and I- would really enjoy!

      Reply
    8. Kelly Anthony says

      August 13, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      This looks crazy delicious! I am a chocolate LOVER!

      Reply
    9. Danielle says

      August 13, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      5 stars
      That looks like the perfect hot chocolate. I can't wait for the cold weather to enjoy it!

      Reply
    10. Jenni says

      August 13, 2018 at 5:06 pm

      5 stars
      Cornstarch is a clever way to thicken this up! I bet it makes it even more indulgent!

      Reply
    11. Carolyn says

      January 20, 2018 at 12:09 am

      5 stars
      This looks incredible!

      Reply
    12. Morganna Sousa Rocha says

      October 16, 2016 at 11:52 pm

      5 stars
      that is it! I am gonna have to make!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        October 25, 2016 at 9:39 am

        I don't mean to be bossy, but you definitely must give this a try 🙂

        Reply
    13. Lauren @ Lauren Caris Cooks says

      December 10, 2015 at 2:20 pm

      This looks almost TOO good! I was just in Ticino in the South of Switzerland and had one of these. It is to die for. I will definitely be trying out your homemade version!

      Reply
    14. Little Italian says

      December 06, 2015 at 10:57 pm

      5 stars
      OMG! I could never resist an Italian hot chocolate. I grew up with it and whenever I go to Italy I must have it, at least during the winter months (usually it is replaced by ice cream during the summer).
      You recipe and photos are fantastic!

      Reply
    15. price says

      December 03, 2015 at 4:12 pm

      If you make it dry, in a jar, for a gift. What is the milk to powder ratio?!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        December 03, 2015 at 6:31 pm

        It really depends on the milk powder you're using, as some give a more dense result than others.I believe there's should be a conversion chart on the package, but in general, you can use this helpful conversion chart: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6685099419540053/

        Reply
    16. Andrea @ Made With Pink says

      December 03, 2015 at 12:44 am

      I've never had Italian Hot Chocolate before. This looks so delicious! I'd like to make it for our Christmas party, spiked with some Baileys. Gorgeous photos as well.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        December 03, 2015 at 1:28 am

        AH!Baileys! Haven't thought of it before, I'll make sure to add some of my homemade baileys next time, thanks for the GREAT idea *_*! And you NEED to try this chocolate, it's absolutely irresistible!

        Reply

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