Thick, rich, and decadently creamy, Italian hot chocolate (known as cioccolata calda) is my go-to drink when I want something comforting and indulgent. It’s much thicker than regular hot cocoa, with a velvety texture that borders on dessert. Whether I’m curling up on a cold evening or treating myself after dinner, this authentic recipe never fails to warm me up from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Italian hot chocolate because it tastes like something straight from a European café. It’s made with real chocolate and thickened with cornstarch, giving it that luxurious, almost pudding-like texture. It’s also easy to customize—whether I want it sweeter, darker, or even dairy-free. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes, using simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream or shaved chocolate for topping (optional)
Directions
I start by whisking together cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Then I add a bit of milk—just about 1/4 cup—to form a smooth paste. Once it’s lump-free, I whisk in the rest of the milk.
I heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to keep everything smooth.
Once the mixture is warm, I stir in the chocolate chips and keep stirring until they melt completely.
I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue stirring until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This takes about 5–7 minutes.
I remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
For extra indulgence, I top it with whipped cream or shaved chocolate.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 280 kcal
Variations
Dairy-Free: I sometimes use almond milk or oat milk, and it still turns out perfectly thick and creamy.
Extra Dark: I swap in bittersweet chocolate or add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for a bolder chocolate hit.
Spiced: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne gives it a cozy twist.
Mocha Version: A splash of brewed espresso transforms this into a luxurious mocha.
Orange Zest: For a citrusy touch, I stir in a little orange zest while heating.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store the hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly until it regains its smooth texture. I avoid boiling it again to prevent the chocolate from separating.
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FAQs
How is Italian hot chocolate different from regular hot cocoa?
Italian hot chocolate is much thicker and richer. It’s made with real chocolate and thickened with cornstarch, giving it a texture similar to melted chocolate pudding.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it in advance and store it in the fridge. I reheat it on the stove while stirring to keep it creamy.
What kind of chocolate works best?
I like using dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, but chopped chocolate bars work great too. The better the chocolate, the better the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the cornstarch and chocolate I use are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make it sweeter or less sweet?
Definitely. I adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the chocolate I’m using. I always taste it while cooking to get it just right.
Conclusion
This Italian hot chocolate is more than just a drink—it’s a full-on chocolate experience. I love how simple it is to make, yet it feels so luxurious and satisfying. Whether I’m sipping it solo or serving it to friends and family, it always brings comfort and joy in every cup.
📖 Recipe:
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Italian Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Thick, rich, and decadently creamy, this authentic Italian hot chocolate (cioccolata calda) is a comforting and indulgent drink, perfect for cold evenings or as a luxurious treat. Made with real chocolate and thickened with cornstarch, it has a velvety texture that borders on dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream or shaved chocolate for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
- Add about 1/4 cup of the milk to form a smooth paste, whisking until lump-free.
- Whisk in the remaining milk until fully combined.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once warm, stir in the chocolate chips and continue stirring until fully melted.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
- Top with whipped cream or shaved chocolate if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
For a dairy-free version, substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk.
Adjust the sugar based on your preferred sweetness and type of chocolate used.
Add spices like cinnamon or cayenne for a cozy twist.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
