Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo) Recipe
This rich and creamy Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo) recipe delivers an indulgent, thick, and velvety drink made with high-quality dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk. Perfectly smooth and intensely chocolatey, this classic Italian beverage is ideal for warming up on a chilly day and can be garnished with chocolate shavings or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (70-74%), finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
Main
- 2 cups 2% milk (divided)
- Chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Get ready: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped dark chocolate, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a small pinch of kosher salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the 2% milk until smooth, creating a slurry.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the remaining 1 3/4 cups of 2% milk to a gentle simmer, watching closely for bubbles forming around the edges. Add the chocolate mixture into the simmering milk and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth, about 4 minutes.
- Add the slurry: Gradually whisk in the cornstarch and milk slurry into the chocolate mixture. Continue stirring constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens noticeably, about 1 minute. The drink should be rich and velvety.
- Let cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the hot chocolate rest for 5 minutes. If a skin forms on the surface, whisk it back in gently to keep the texture smooth.
- Serve: Pour the thick Italian hot chocolate into heat-proof cups or mugs. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the decadence.
Notes
- Use good-quality dark chocolate with 70-74% cocoa for the best flavor and texture.
- Keep stirring during cooking to prevent the chocolate from burning or the milk from scorching.
- If the hot chocolate becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of warm milk before serving.
- This recipe serves 2 small mugs or 1 large mug.
- For a richer drink, substitute whole milk instead of 2% milk.
- To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but results may vary in thickness.
Keywords: Italian Hot Chocolate, Cioccolato Caldo, thick hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, dark chocolate drink, winter beverage
