White hot chocolate is a delicious variant of the usual hot chocolate. While some people may argue that white chocolate isn't "real chocolate", for a lot of people, it's about the taste—and it's a taste that they really enjoy! This wonderful taste transfers well to a hot drink. Try it on a cold and wintry day to build some cheer.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 2 ounces (60 grams) white chocolate, chopped into small pieces
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Mini marshmallows (optional)
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making White Hot Chocolate on the Stove

  1. 1
    Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk into a small saucepan. You can use any type of milk you'd like. If you want something richer, you could even try heavy cream or half-and-half.[1]
  2. 2
    Add 2 ounces (60 grams) of white chocolate. You can use solid white chocolate chopped into pieces, or white chocolate chips. For best results, use good-quality white chocolate.
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  3. 3
    Cook the mixture over medium-low heat until it starts to simmer. Stir the mixture often to prevent scorching and do not let it come to a boil, or the chocolate will burn.[2]
  4. 4
    Take the saucepan off the stove, then stir in the vanilla extract. This will help give the white hot chocolate a more complex flavor.
  5. 5
    Pour the white hot chocolate into a large mug and serve it immediately. If you'd like, you can make it extra special by garnishing it with some whipped cream or mini marshmallows.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making White Hot Chocolate in the Microwave

  1. 1
    Heat the milk in the microwave, then set it aside. Pour the milk into a microwave-safe mug, and heat it for 1 to 2 minutes. Pause the microwave every 30 seconds, and give the milk a stir.
  2. 2
    Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Put the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Take the mug out of the microwave, and put the bowl in. Heat the chocolate for 1 minute, then give it a stir. After that, heat it at 15 to 20-second increments, stirring in between, until it melts.[3]
    • You can use solid chocolate or chocolate chips for this. If you choose to use solid chocolate, be sure to cut it into chunks first.
    • For best results, use high-quality white chocolate.
  3. 3
    Pour the melted chocolate into the milk, and stir. Keep stirring until everything is mixed together. If the milk has cooled down too much for you, you can pop it into the microwave for another 30 seconds.
  4. 4
    Garnish the hot chocolate, if desired, and serve it. You can serve it as-is, or you can add some mini marshmallows or whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Trying Variations

  1. 1
    Add some peppermint for a minty treat. Cook 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk and 2 ounces (60 grams) of white chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium-low heat. When the mixture starts to simmer and the chocolate has melted, take the saucepan off the stove, and stir in ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Pour the hot chocolate into a large mug, and garnish it with some whipped cream, crushed peppermint candy, or mini marshmallows, if desired.[4]
  2. 2
    Try making an extra-rich white hot chocolate. Heat ¼ cup (45 grams) of white chocolate chips with ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. After the chocolate melts, stir in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of half-and-half, and cook until hot. Pour into one large mug, or two smaller mugs. Garnish with a swirl of whipped cream, if desired, and serve.[5]
  3. 3
    Give it a boozy twist, if you're of legal drinking age. Heat ¾ cup (180 milliliters) of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam. Add 2 tablespoons (20 grams) of white chocolate chips, and stir until they melt. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of vanilla-flavored vodka into a mug, then pour the hot chocolate over it and stir. Garnish with some mini marshmallows and cocoa powder, if desired, and serve.
  4. 4
    Try some spiced white hot chocolate for a crowd. Tie up a 6-inch (15.24-millimeter) cinnamon stick and 8 cardamom pods in a piece of cheesecloth, and put it into a slow cooker. Add 3 cups (700 milliliters) of half-and-half, 3 cups (700 millimeters) of milk, and 1½ cups (265 grams) of white chocolate baking pieces. Cook the mixture, covered, on a low-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours; stir it after 2 to 2½ hours. Just before serving, take out the spice bag, and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.[6]
    • If you are in a hurry, cook the hot chocolate over high heat for 2 to 2½ hours. Stir it after 1 hour.[7]
    • If you can't find any white chocolate baking pieces, try white chocolate chips instead.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What else can I use besides milk and chocolate?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try adding in some extra flavorings, such as vanilla extract or peppermint extract. You could also add in a drizzle of caramel sauce or strawberry syrup.
  • Question
    Can I use pumpkin pie spice as an additive for a fall flavor?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That sounds delicious! This is optional, but you could even add some orange or pink food colouring - I would recommend the liquid form. Enjoy!
  • Question
    What could I use instead of white chocolate?
    Isolde
    Isolde
    Top Answerer
    Since this is for a white hot chocolate, there isn't really a substitute. However, if you are concerned about it having dairy in it, you could choose vegan or plant-based white chocolate as a substitute for the white chocolate in this recipe. Another option might be using white chocolate buds or drops if you don't have a candy bar or you don't want to chop up a white chocolate block.
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Things You'll Need

Making White Hot Chocolate on the Stove

  • Small saucepan
  • Spoon
  • Mug

Making White Hot Chocolate in the Microwave

  • Microwave-safe mug
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spoon


About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 202,591 times.
13 votes - 91%
Co-authors: 39
Updated: March 5, 2023
Views: 202,591
Article SummaryX

To make ultra sweet and creamy white hot chocolate, start by pouring 1 cup (237 mL) of milk into a small saucepan. Mix in 2 ounces (60 g) of white chocolate, chopped into small pieces. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it begins to simmer, stirring frequently so the milk and chocolate don’t burn. Turn off the heat and mix in ¼ teaspoon (1.2 mL) of vanilla extract. Transfer the hot chocolate to a mug and serve it hot. If you like, garnish it with a sweet and tasty topping such as mini marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream. For tips on making this treat in the microwave, or other variations you can try, like adding peppermint or cinnamon, read on.

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