No need to feel guilty enjoying a mugful of this delicious perfect homemade hot cocoa! It’s packed full of good-for-you ingredients!
A delicious tradition.
Even though I’m up for hot chocolate pretty much every time of year, there’s something special about the holidays and the late fall that have me craving it even more often. Thick, creamy, chocolatey. Peppermint, chili powder, spiced or not. Topped with homemade coconut whipped cream, mini cinnamon maple marshmallows (or huge fluffy dark chocolate ones!), or plain. There’s so much deliciousness in one cup! I’ve always loved it, and I love that I can make it myself in the comfort of my kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.
Real ingredients.
Even though my friends grew up with packets of Swiss Miss, my mom would have none of it. Homemade was the only way to go. And to tell you the truth, I’d much rather have homemade any day than little packets of sugar and artificial everything. Just take a look at what she saved me from:
Instead of all that unhealthiness, I was drinking hot cocoa made from goats milk, raw sugar, and carob powder. Even though I don’t usually use goats milk or carob anymore, I still have a special place in my heart for those ingredients.
Perfect Homemade Hot Cocoa
There are so many delicious ways to make homemade cocoa. For this version I’ve chosen to use local honey for the sweetener, though you could use coconut sugar if you like. I also like to add in coconut oil for a little nutritional boost (and a little deliciousness boost, too). And for some added protein I love stirring in a few teaspoons of Perfect Supplements grass-fed gelatin. It’s 100% gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher!
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Perfect Homemade Hot Cocoa
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (I love this organic fair-trade stuff!)
- 2 teaspoons gelatin (I use Perfect Supplements)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cups milk of choice (I like my homemade coconut milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla (try making your own!)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder and gelatin.
Turn heat on to medium-low and stir in honey and coconut oil until melted and creamy.
Slowly whisk in milk and heat through.
Turn off heat and stir in salt and vanilla.
Enjoy plain, or with the topping of your choice.
Makes about 5 mugfuls.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat later.
I love the idea of making a healthier homemade hot chocolate. I can’t believe I’ve never done it before. I am sure my kids would go crazy for this stuff. Hmm, snuggled under the blankets on the couch, sipping this cocoa? Yes, please!
My kids sure love it, Karen! You should totally try it! 🙂
Your Homemade Hot Cocoa looks amazing, Raia, and I love how wholesome the recipe is. It’s so nice when a special treat like hot cocoa is good for you! Those marshmallows look amazing too!
Thank you so much, April! I love being able to make treats as healthy as possible! Including those marshmallows… 😉
Yum! This looks so warm and inviting.
Thanks, Evi! 😉
I’ve never made my own marshmallows but you’ve made it so easy! It’s a perfect topping to any hot cocoa…sounds wonderful!
Thank you, Catherine! They both really are wonderfully easy. 😉
Homemade hot cocoa is always the best. This looks so creamy and delicious!
Thank you, Sarah! I completely agree. ?
This looks perfect for a freezing day like today! Thanks for the warm inspiration 🙂
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
I’ve got a few hot chocolate lovers here especially when it snows. I love all your real ingredients and the extra protein boost. And I love your cup too. 🙂
Thank you so much, Barbara! That cup is pretty special. A gift from a roommate from Poland. 🙂
Such a warming drink. I add gelatin to mine too. Yumm!
It’s a wonderful way to sneak it in! 🙂
Tis the season for deliciousness! I think I could live off this.. love gelatin!
Haha! Same here! What more do you need? 😉
Yes please! You know I love chocolate … and hot chocolate … and homemade marshmallows! I want a mug of that right now!
So do I! Haha! 😉