There’s nothing quite like Italian hot chocolate—thick, smooth and luxuriously creamy. If you want a warm, chocolatey drink to curl up with on the sofa, this is the perfect indulgence.
Unlike the powdered sachets that often taste thin and disappointing, authentic Italian hot chocolate is intensely chocolatey and velvety. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home and takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Making hot chocolate from scratch means you control the richness and flavour, and the result is far more satisfying than anything instant.
Hot chocolate is one of the coziest comforts—wrap yourself in a blanket, pull on warm socks and enjoy a movie with a steaming mug. I love it most during cold weather, when a rich drink like this feels especially comforting.
I first tasted this style of hot chocolate as a child on a family holiday in Milan. After a day of walking in the cold we stopped at a cafe and I ordered hot chocolate. I was served a small cup of thick melted chocolate that tasted incredible—pudding-like and so decadent. It remains, for me, the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had.
This recipe is delicious as written, but you can customise it: top with whipped cream, marshmallows, a drizzle of caramel, or add a splash of liqueur like Irish cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How To Make Italian Hot Chocolate
Start by heating milk in a saucepan, then add chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar. Gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until the chocolate and sugar have fully melted.
Whisk the corn starch together with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth, then stir it into the chocolate milk. Continue stirring over low heat until the drink thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Finish with a small pinch of salt and serve immediately in warmed mugs.
More Italian chocolate treats to try
Christmas
Frangelico Hot Chocolate Affogato
Italian Desserts
Homemade Baci Chocolates (Italian Kisses)
Italian Desserts
Torta Barozzi (Rich, Flourless Chocolate Cake)
Christmas
Panpepato (Christmas Spiced Cake)
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Italian Hot Chocolate
By Emily
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz (100g) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 2 cups (500ml) milk, plus 2 tbsp for the corn starch
- 4 tsp corn starch
- small pinch smoked salt or regular salt
Instructions
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Add the milk to a saucepan and stir in the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the chocolate and sugar have melted.
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Mix the corn starch with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth, then whisk into the chocolate milk. Continue stirring until the hot chocolate has thickened and is silky. Add a small pinch of salt, pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I generally use extra virgin olive oil unless the recipe specifies otherwise.
- When using canned or jarred tomatoes, choose well-known brands for consistent flavour.
- Vegetable sizes are assumed to be medium unless otherwise stated.
- All recipes are developed and tested using a fan (convection) oven where applicable.
- You can find more on how nutrition is calculated on the site.
- Check the Italian pantry staples and essential kitchen tools sections for recommended items.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.