How to Make White Hot Chocolate

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 5, 2023 References

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
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]
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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
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]
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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
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making White Hot Chocolate in the Microwave

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
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]
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- 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
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
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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Variations

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]
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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]
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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
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]
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- If you are in a hurry, cook the hot chocolate over high heat for 2 to 2½ hours. Stir it after 1 hour.^{[7]
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- If you can't find any white chocolate baking pieces, try white chocolate chips instead.

Community Q&A

Question

What else can I use besides milk and chocolate?

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

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

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.