I hear it’s a bit cold outside for quite a few of you right now. The “Polar Vortex,” they’re calling it? Even just reading those frigid words makes me shiver. Brrrrrrr.
So even though it’s the time of year for detoxes and smoothies*, I thought I’d quickly share my super-simple formula for single-serving Hot Chocolate By the Mug. No packets or powder, here … just milk, chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla, and a tiny magic-making pinch of salt. A little heating, a little stirring, and a lot of comfort-in-a-mug.
This sort of reminds me of those single serving mug cakes that I am too afraid to try because I fear I will have no willpower once I know how to make them. Luckily, I have a little more control over hot chocolate, I suppose. I guess because I really only crave it when the temps dip below freezing. But once that happens, I’m all about creamy, comforting, uber-chocolaty sips of pure hot chocolate heaven. So cozy and comforting. And when I only make one mug worth? It keeps me in control – it’s just enough.
This is so, so easy that I feel like I shouldn’t even call it a recipe.
Here’s what you do. You heat up some milk. Then you stir in the other stuff. Then you drink it. So complex, right?
And, hey, if you’re snowed in, you probably already have these ingredients in your pantry.
Stay safe out there, folks. And warm – one mug at a time.
Easy Two-Minute Hot Chocolate By the Mug
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Pour milk into a microwave-safe mug and heat on high for about 1 minutes 30 seconds, or until milk is steaming but not boiling.
- Add chocolate chips, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch salt. Stir until chocolate has completely melted, about 30 seconds.
- Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired, and serve.
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and my mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time. These days, I also try not to ask to speak to the manager.
I’ve been feeling sorry for the folks over on the East side who are dealing with record snow, ice storms, and sub zero weather. I have to admit, I’ve been enjoying the blue skies and fair weather here in California. The non-winter winter is certainly not stopping me from enjoying toasty warm beverages like this delicious hot cocoa! Love the easy by-the-mug recipe – this will definitely come in handy day after day all winter long!
Ahhhh, you’re in California?! So jealous. 🙂 Have you seen that comedic infographic going around about the current weather in the regions of the US, that has varying degrees of “it’s f’in cold!” and then for California it just says “LOL”? Makes me giggle. Jealously. 😉
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Love how quick and easy this hot chocolate is! When I want my Hot Chocolate I want it fast!
Thanks, Julie! Indeed, that is how it came to be. When the craving hits, it hits hard! 🙂
I would make a suggestion that you add the process of placing the hot chocolate in a mason jar and shaking the jar to give it an airy consistency. Just a thought. Your recipe makes a delicious cup of cocoa.
Do you have to use whole milk?? Can you use 2%???
2% should work fine, just won’t be as rich. 🙂
Ok thank you
Delicious although i curdled it the first time!
It was great! I accidentally put everything in the mug at the same time but it still melted ok and tasted nice.
Thank you for the recipe.
Delicious and fast!!