Italian Hot Chocolate

glass mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

5 from 4 votes

Dense, decadent, and creamy, nothing says winter in Italy like a rich cup of this authentic Italian hot chocolate (cioccolata calda)! This hot chocolate is made with 6 simple ingredients and has a thick, velvety texture that you'll love. Grab a cup and cozy up by the fire on a cold winter day!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian hot chocolate, thick hot chocolate

Servings: servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk or 2% milk
3.5 ounces dark chocolate 50-75% cacao
2 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional flavoring
1 pinch salt helps cut sweetness

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Chop the dark chocolate into very small pieces.
In a bowl mix together cornstarch (or potato starch) and powdered sugar. Set aside.
Place the milk on low heat. When the milk is hot, but well before it starts to boil (about 3 minutes), add the corn starch and sugar mixture and start stirring, always in the same direction, avoiding the formation of lumps.
Once bubbles start to form on the surface (about 4 minutes), add the chocolate and vanilla and mix until thick and creamy, about 1 minute. The starch will cause it to thicken even when removed from heat, so it's a good idea to remove the chocolate from the heat before it thickens completely; otherwise you run the risk of turning it into a spoon cake!
Pour it into two mugs and serve it warm. For a dash of decadence, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Notes

Make sure the milk is warm before you start adding the other ingredients.
Keep the heat on low and stir frequently. Be careful not to burn the bottom.
Do not allow the chocolate to thicken too much before removing it from heat.
If chocolate clumps start to form, remove the mixture from heat and whisk vigorously until it is smooth again.

Nutrition