I know you’ve been anxiously awaiting my recipe for the best hot chocolate ever. So, here it is.

I refined this recipe based on a bunch I’ve tried over the years and intuition. Hot chocolate is a fine art, but you don’t want to overthink it.

I also love this recipe for its versatility. You can use plant-based milk or real milk. In my experience, using whole milk or even low-fat regular milk makes it a whole lot richer than when you use plant-based milk. It’s not a bad thing, but I just wanted to give you a heads up.

This hot chocolate recipe is also a perfect base for toppings and experimentation. For my latest iteration, I added some sprinkles and vanilla marshmallows from Pint Size Bakery. For other versions, I’ve added a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or whipped cream. Everyone has their hot chocolate preferences, but mine usually fall somewhere in the  marshmallow and sprinkles camp.

This is the perfect recipe to make when you get home from work late, tired and cold, and you need something to warm you up. It has lifted my spirits on numerous occasions and I hope it does the same for you, too.

Here’s a song to get you started. I recently started watching “Goop” on Netflix on the recommendation of my neighbor, and I have to admit, it’s pretty entertaining. It also made me remember that Gwyneth Paltrow can sing.

The Best Hot Chocolate Ever

Ingredients

1 cup milk of your choice
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp cocoa/cacao powder
2 Tbsp extra dark, bittersweet, or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 pinches flaky sea salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
marshmallows and sprinkles for topping

Directions

Combine the milk, maple syrup, cocoa/cacao powder, chocolate chips, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly, making sure you scrape down the sides every so often to incorporate the melted chocolate chips. Once the mixture looks like it’s starting to boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot chocolate into a large mug. Top with marshmallows and sprinkles. Enjoy!