Go Back

Starbucks Copycat Hot Chocolate

Starbucks copycat hot chocolate starts with a smooth cocoa-and-sugar mixture whisked with whole milk until steaming. Finish each mug with a generous topping of canned whipped cream for a cozy, café-style drink.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 374
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the hot chocolate
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 0.125 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping
  • 0.5 cup whipped cream canned

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart saucepan
  • 2 12-ounce mugs

Method
 

Make the hot chocolate
  1. In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk the cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth and the sugar dissolves.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk.
  3. Heat over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes, whisking often, until steaming with small bubbles around the edge; do not let it boil.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve
  1. Divide the hot chocolate between two 12-ounce mugs.
  2. Top each with whipped cream.

Notes

For the smoothest result, do not let the milk boil. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-free variation, use an unsweetened plant-based milk and dairy-free whipped topping.