The Ultimate Nutella Hot Chocolate: Rich, Creamy & Easy Homemade Recipe
Imagine a cold evening, a plush blanket, and a mug overflowing with pure warmth and indulgence. That’s precisely what you get with this **Nutella Hot Chocolate** recipe. Far beyond your everyday cocoa, this delightful concoction transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, velvety drink that’s rich in hazelnut-chocolate flavor and incredibly comforting. It’s an effortless way to bring a gourmet café experience right into your home, perfect for treating yourself or sharing with loved ones.
Stirring the iconic hazelnut spread into hot chocolate infuses it with an unmistakable, irresistible depth. This simple recipe guides you step-by-step to create a homemade Nutella hot chocolate that truly outshines any store-bought version. For an even more delightful experience, pair this rich drink with a warm Snickerdoodle Cookie, allowing the cinnamon spice to perfectly complement the decadent chocolatey richness. Get ready to elevate your hot chocolate game!
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Nutella Hot Chocolate
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Ingredients
Nutella Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups low fat/skim milk
- 2 tablespoons Nutella
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Marshmallows
- Crushed hazelnuts
- Chocolate chips
- Extra Nutella
- Whipped cream
- A pinch of sea salt (for a salted caramel effect)
Instructions
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1. Warm Milk: In a medium saucepan, gently heat your chosen milk over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. The goal is to get it steaming hot, but not boiling. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
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2. Combine Ingredients: Once the milk is steaming, reduce the heat to low. Add the Nutella, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sugar to the saucepan. Whisk continuously and vigorously until all ingredients are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The Nutella will melt seamlessly into the warm milk, creating a homogenous, inviting base.
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3. Simmer and Serve: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the hot chocolate to thicken slightly. Do not let it come to a rolling boil. Remove from heat immediately. Pour the rich Nutella hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.
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4. Garnish and Enjoy: Top with your favorite optional extras! Whether it’s a cloud of fluffy marshmallows, a sprinkle of crunchy crushed hazelnuts, a handful of mini chocolate chips, or an extra decadent swirl of Nutella, these toppings enhance the experience. Serve immediately and savor every rich sip.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 162kcal |
Carbohydrates: 25g |
Protein: 9g |
Fat: 3g |
Saturated Fat: 3g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g |
Cholesterol: 7mg |
Sodium: 105mg |
Potassium: 485mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 23g |
Vitamin A: 500IU |
Calcium: 337mg |
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let us know what you thought!
What Goes Into Nutella Hot Chocolate: Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
This Nutella Hot Chocolate is a testament to how just a few core ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. The beauty lies in their synergy, resulting in an ultra-rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying drink that’s easy to customize and impossible not to love. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe sing:
- Nutella: This is the star of our show, delivering that iconic smooth, creamy hazelnut-chocolate flavor. Nutella effortlessly melts into the warm milk, creating a velvety texture and an irresistible aroma that sets this hot chocolate apart.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: While Nutella provides plenty of chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder plays a crucial role. It deepens the overall chocolate taste, adding a more complex, less-sweet dimension that balances the sweetness of the Nutella and sugar. Don’t skip it for the best flavor!
- Milk: The choice of milk significantly impacts the final texture and richness.
- Low-fat or Skim Milk: Perfect if you prefer a lighter hot chocolate, yet still creamy thanks to the Nutella.
- Full Cream Milk (Whole Milk): For those who crave extra indulgence and a truly decadent, thick consistency. This option yields the creamiest result.
- Dairy-Free Alternatives: Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work wonderfully for a plant-based version. Oat milk, in particular, often provides a rich, creamy texture similar to dairy milk.
- Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar enhances the sweetness and helps balance the cocoa powder. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference and how sweet your Nutella is.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor and to help cut through the richness, a tiny pinch of sea salt can work wonders, highlighting the chocolate notes. A dash of vanilla extract also adds a beautiful aromatic finish.
Note: Please refer to the recipe card above for a full list of ingredients with precise measurements.
Watch How to Make Nutella Hot Chocolate!
Seeing is believing! If you’re a visual learner, watch our step-by-step video demonstration right here to see just how easy it is to create this delightful drink. From warming the milk to achieving that perfect whisked smoothness, our video guides you through every moment, ensuring your Nutella Hot Chocolate turns out perfectly every time.
Perfect Pairings for Your Indulgent Mug
A warm, steaming mug of Nutella Hot Chocolate is a treat in itself, but it truly shines when paired with equally delightful companions. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, hosting a cozy brunch, or simply spoiling yourself, these pairings hit all the sweet spots:
- Cookies: As mentioned, a classic Snickerdoodle Cookie provides a lovely contrast with its spicy cinnamon notes. Chocolate chip cookies, shortbread, or even biscotti are also fantastic choices for dipping.
- Brownies & Blondies: For intense chocolate lovers, Mixed Berry Nutella Brownies offer a rich, fudgy texture with bright bursts of tart fruit. If you’re looking to take indulgence to an entirely new level, Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies provide a chewy, buttery counterpoint with an added layer of salty-sweet goodness.
- Pancakes & Waffles: For a decadent breakfast or brunch, pair your hot chocolate with Nutella Stuffed Banana Pancakes. The warm, fluffy pancakes filled with more Nutella create an unforgettable experience, making each sip and bite a pure delight.
- Pastries: Croissants, pain au chocolat, or even a simple slice of brioche complement the richness beautifully, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
Why This Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe Is a Winner
This Nutella hot chocolate isn’t just another sweet drink; it’s a carefully crafted experience. Its success lies in the perfect marriage of flavors and textures, making it a standout treat. Here’s what truly sets this recipe apart:
- Effortless Fusion: Nutella melts effortlessly into warm milk, creating an instant, uniform base without the need for chopping chocolate or worrying about lumps. This provides a silky, velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Signature Hazelnut-Chocolate Flavor: The unmistakable hazelnut notes of Nutella perfectly complement the deep chocolate, creating a more complex and sophisticated flavor profile than plain hot cocoa. There’s no need for extra chocolate or artificial flavorings; everything you desire is right in the jar.
- Balanced Sweetness: The addition of unsweetened cocoa powder helps to balance the sweetness of Nutella, preventing the drink from being overly sugary and allowing the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors to truly shine.
- Customizable Richness: With options for different types of milk, you can easily adjust the richness and creaminess to your exact preference, from a lighter daily treat to an ultra-indulgent dessert.
- Ultimate Comfort: Beyond the taste, there’s a comforting psychological element. A mug of this warm, fragrant drink feels like a hug in a cup, instantly making grey days feel a little more golden. Topped with melty marshmallows or a sprinkle of crunchy hazelnuts, it’s the kind of treat that elevates any moment.
This recipe is more than just instructions; it’s an invitation to create a moment of pure bliss with minimal effort and maximum reward.
Recipe FAQs: Your Nutella Hot Chocolate Questions Answered
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to milk choices. Low-fat, skim, or full cream (whole milk) all work beautifully, with full cream milk yielding the richest, creamiest results. For dairy-free options, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk are excellent alternatives. Oat milk, in particular, tends to create a wonderfully creamy texture that mimics dairy milk.
While you certainly can, we highly recommend including the unsweetened cocoa powder. It plays a vital role in deepening the chocolate flavor and balancing the sweetness of the Nutella. Leaving it out will result in a milder, sweeter, and more intensely Nutella-forward taste. If you prefer a less rich chocolate flavor, you can reduce the cocoa powder to 1 tablespoon, but for the best, most balanced hot chocolate, stick to the recommended amount.
For an even creamier and more luxurious Nutella hot chocolate, consider these tips:
- Use Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: These higher-fat dairy options will naturally result in a richer consistency.
- Add a Splash of Cream: A tablespoon or two of heavy cream or half-and-half stirred in while heating will significantly boost creaminess.
- Blend for Froth: For an ultra-decadent, café-style frothy finish, carefully transfer the finished hot chocolate to a blender (ensure it’s safe for hot liquids, and don’t overfill) and blend for 15-30 seconds until foamy.
- Whisk Vigorously: A good whisking during the heating process helps to emulsify the ingredients and create a smoother, more uniform texture.
Yes, you can! Prepare the Nutella hot chocolate as directed and allow it to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it’s steaming hot. Avoid boiling to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Beyond the classics, consider shaved dark chocolate, a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, chocolate syrup, or even a shot of espresso for a mocha twist. For a playful touch, crushed candy canes are perfect during the holidays!
Indulge in the Nutella Magic
This homemade Nutella Hot Chocolate is more than just a drink; it’s a sensory experience designed to delight. With its rich, creamy texture and unforgettable hazelnut-chocolate flavor, it offers a simple yet profoundly satisfying escape from the everyday. Whether you’re seeking a moment of personal indulgence or a delightful treat to share, this recipe delivers warmth, comfort, and pure joy in every mug.
So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to elevate your hot chocolate game. We’re confident that this ultimate Nutella Hot Chocolate will become a beloved staple in your home, bringing smiles and cozy moments with every delicious sip. Enjoy!