Rich and luxurious French Hot Chocolate recipe made with melted dark bittersweet chocolate, milk and cinnamon. No need to use instant processed packs when you can make the best creamy chocolatey cup of hot cocoa from scratch.

Cup of hot chocolate on a book topped with marshsmallow next to candles.

French Hot Chocolate

What is french hot chocolate? Well, its a rich creamy, thicker variation that is known as Chocolat Chaud. It’s my favorite style of chocolate drink in comparison to the thinner American version made with cocoa powder and milk.

The key to the velvety texture is to gently simmer and stir the ingredients until the chocolate is completely melted. It will thicken some as it cools, so best served nice and hot!

Chopped dark chocolate on cutting board next to pot of hot chocolate on table.

Cup of hot chocolate on table next to tray of snowflake marshmallows and holiday greenery.

Ingredients Needed

Whole Milk : The French style hot chocolate uses whole milk with melted superior chocolate. A smooth, decadent Parisian style winter cocoa can be topped with whipped cream. Though I prefer a nice melted marshmallow topper myself.

Dark Bittersweet Chocolate: I’m using dark chocolate for a nice bittersweet note instead of the overly sweet milk chocolate. The most important thing when choosing your chocolate is to use the highest quality bar you can find.

Light Brown Sugar: Adding in a bit of light brown sugar for just enough sweetness.

Two mugs of hot chocolate topped with snowflake marshmallow on a wood table surrounded by pinecones.

Tips for Success

Use full fat whole milk.
High quality dark or bittersweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa will give you the best flavor.
Don’t rush the process, take your time and let that chocolate melt slowly.
Mix in a little espresso powder if you like to enhance the chocolate.
Add a little Spiced for extra hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Closeup of a mug of steaming hot cocoa topped with a snowflake shaped marshmallow.

French Hot Chocolate

Jenn

French Hot Chocolate made with a dark chocolate bar, heavy cream, milk, and cinnamon.

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Ingredients

Hot Chocolate

3 cups (720 g) whole milk
8 ounces dark chocolate 70%, chopped chocolate bar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon espresso powder

Topping

marshmallows

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, stir together the milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and espresso powder. Bring to a simmer over medium to medium low heat. Just enough to bubble slightly but a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat, add the chopped chocolate and let it stand for a couple minutes to melt the chocolate. Whisk until smooth, then pour into warmed mugs.
Top with a marshmallow and serve.

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