Best Italian Hot Chocolate – The Petite Cook™

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Published: · Updated: by Andrea

Here’s how to make the BEST Italian hot chocolate at home! This thick hot chocolate is ready in 10 minutes with just 5 ingredients!

Creamy and thick Italian hot chocolate is one of the best and easiest Italian desserts out there.

Cioccolata calda, as we call it in italy, is a luxuriously rich hot chocolate drink with pudding-like consistency.

Unlike the usual water-and-cocoa-powder combo, this version is made with milk, high-quality dark chocolate, a touch of sugar, and a little secret ingredient that takes it to the next level—rich, velvety, and perfectly thick.

This is the most incredible and comforting drink you can have on a cold winter day!

Italian hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Forget the watery hot chocolate you find in most cafes around the world—this is nothing like that.

As a true hot chocolate lover, I’ve tried it in many countries, but nothing comes close to the rich, velvety Italian version.

The absolute best? Hands down, it’s at Caffè Rivoire – Master Chocolatiers, right across from the stunning Piazza della Signoria in Florence.

But don’t worry if a trip to Florence isn’t in your plans. You can whip up the best Italian hot chocolate recipe at home in just 10 minutes!

Also, if you ask me, there’s nothing better than dunking a delicious cookie into your hot chocolate.

Some of my favorite Italian cookies to pair with it are these traditional honey cookies, Italian butter cookies, and these melt-in-your-mouth baci di dama.

Jump to:

Ingredients

To make this classic Italian hot cocoa recipe, you only need 5 simple ingredients:

Italian hot chocolate ingredients: cocoa powder, dark chocolate, milk, corn starch, sugar.
  • Milk: I like to use full-fat fresh milk, but feel free to use semi-skimmed milk.
  • Cocoa powder: You can use unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder or natural cocoa, both work well for this recipe.
  • Dark chocolate: use high-quality 55%, 60% or 70% dark chocolate. For a sweeter drink, you can use high-quality milk chocolate instead.
  • Sugar: You can use caster sugar or raw cane sugar.
  • Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient that will give you deliciously thick hot chocolate. You can substitute it with potato starch or rice flour.

Cornstarch is totally flavorless, so you won’t even notice it. What you will notice is the amazing thick and creamy texture it gives your hot chocolate.

Also, cornflour is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the label to be sure if you have any dietary restrictions.

Variations

Once you’ve nailed the classic recipe, why not mix it up with a fun twist? Try adding:

  • Sea salt: A pinch of sea salt flakes will make the chocolate flavor pop!
  • Vanilla extract: Add a few drops of vanilla for a warm, sweet aroma.
  • Nutella: Add a tiny spoonful of homemade Nutella for a rich, creamy texture with a nutty twist.
  • Liquor: Add a splash of Baileys, rum, or Grand Marnier for a cozy, grown-up touch.
  • Cinnamon: Just a pinch, for a hint of spice and warmth.
thick hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

How to make Italian hot chocolate

This Italian hot chocolate recipe couldn’t be easier and takes just 10 minutes to prepare.

Check out the quick recipe overview below with step-by-step pictures.

Scroll down until the end of the post for the full printable recipe.

Collage of four images: 1. Whisk cornflour, cocoa, and sugar in a saucepan. 2. Add warm milk. 3. Heat and stir in chopped chocolate. 4. Whisk until smooth and thick.

STEP 1. Whisk cornflour, cocoa and sugar in a small saucepan.

STEP 2. Pour the warm milk into the saucepan.

STEP 3. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, then add in the chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips).

STEP 4. Whisk until reaching a creamy and dense texture.

Divide it between two cups, top with freshly whipped cream and serve. 

Hot chocolate toppings

Here are a few of my favorite hot chocolate toppings to take your cup to the next level:

  • Whipped cream: Light, fluffy, and the perfect creamy contrast to rich chocolate.
  • Extra cocoa powder: A sprinkle on top adds a touch of bitter chocolatey note.
  • Mini marshmallows: Classic and fun, they melt slightly for a sweet, gooey treat.
  • Salted caramel sauce or dulce de leche: Adds a hint of salty buttery sweetness.
  • Crushed toasted hazelnuts: Nutty and crunchy, they pair perfectly with the chocolate.
Italian hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.

Storage tips

Here’s how to store your leftover Italian style hot chocolate:

  • Fridge: Let it cool down completely, then pour it into an airtight container. It’ll stay good for about 3 days in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Reheat it on low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to bring back its smooth, creamy texture.
  • Freezer: Want to save it for longer? Freeze hot chocolate in ice cube trays. Just pop a few cubes in a mug, add some milk, and warm it up for a quick treat.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make vegan hot chocolate?

Yes, absolutely!
For a vegan version, use oat milk or rice milk and follow the same recipe.
Skip the whipped cream, or replace it with whipped coconut cream for a super indulgent treat.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

For the best Italian hot chocolate, start with the highest-quality dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips you can find.
Look for chocolate made with just cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and sugar—some brands add a touch of vanilla, which is fine too.

More Italian dessert recipes to try

If you loved this recipe, try other family-favorite winter Italian desserts like apple cake, pear cake, almond cake or the famous zabaglione!

Did you try this recipe?

Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook!

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Recipe

thick italian hot chocolate in a clear mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
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Here’s how to make the BEST Italian hot chocolate at home! This thick hot chocolate is ready in 10 minutes with just 5 ingredients!

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time5 minutes

Total Time10 minutes

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Serving: 2

Calories: 565kcal

Ingredients

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

To serve:

  • 2 tablespoon fresh whipped cream, (optional)

Instructions

  • Whisk the cornstarch, cocoa and sugar in a small saucepan.

  • Pour the warm milk into the saucepan.

  • 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 thick and creamy, adding more sugar if you like it sweeter.

  • Divide the Italian hot chocolate among two cups, top with whipped cream and serve. 

Notes

How to store your leftover Italian  hot chocolate:
  • Fridge: Let it cool down completely, then pour it into an airtight container. It’ll stay good for about 3 days in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Reheat it on low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to bring back its smooth, creamy texture.
  • Freezer: Want to save it for longer? Freeze hot chocolate in ice cube trays. Just pop a few cubes in a mug, add some milk, and warm it up for a quick treat.

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.



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