White Hot Chocolate

If you’re someone who prefers white chocolate over milk or dark chocolate, then this white hot chocolate recipe is for you. After all, a mug of your favorite warm drink—more specifically, hot chocolate—is hard to beat on a chilly day, and white chocolate lovers shouldn’t have to miss out!

White hot chocolate is made similarly to regular hot chocolate. Simply simmer whole milk on the stovetop and add the white chocolate to melt into it. The mixture is stirred together with a touch of vanilla extract and salt to balance the flavors. It can be made in just minutes, ladled into mugs and dressed up for any occasion with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings and more. Just don’t forget the whipped cream!

Is white chocolate really chocolate?

The main difference between milk and dark chocolate versus white chocolate has to do with cocoa solids. Traditional milk or dark chocolate is made with cocoa solids, while white chocolate isn’t. White chocolate is made with cocoa butter and milk solids, which create its creamy texture and flavor, but it’s not technically considered chocolate because it doesn’t contain cocoa solids.

White Hot Chocolate Ingredients

• Milk: Whole milk is the base for this creamy hot white chocolate recipe. You can also choose to use 2% milk or an alternative such as soy or oat milk.
• White baking chips: Melted down white chocolate chips provide the most flavor for white hot chocolate. If you can’t find your favorite brand of white chocolate chips, use an equal amount of chopped white chocolate.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch of vanilla extract helps enhance the flavor of this white chocolate hot drink.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is added to balance the sweetness.
• Whipped cream: This drink is similar to other hot drinks with chocolate in that it’s perfect topped with a swirl of whipped cream! You can choose either homemade or store-bought whipped cream.

Directions

Step 1: Bring the milk to a simmer

Pour the milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer for two to three minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add the white chocolate

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Stir in the white chocolate until melted, one to two minutes.

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Add the vanilla extract and salt, then stir to combine.

Step 3: Garnish and serve

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pour the white hot chocolate into four mugs. If desired, top with whipped cream and white chocolate curls before serving.

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

White Hot Chocolate Variations

• Make it minty: Love a subtle mint flavor? Make peppermint white hot chocolate by adding 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the batch and garnishing your mug with a candy cane.
• Go for gingerbread: For a festive flavor with warm spices, add 1 teaspoon molasses and 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice.
• Add fruit: Raspberry or strawberry white hot chocolate? Yes, please! Add 1/2 cup thawed frozen strawberries or raspberries to the saucepan. Allow the fruit to simmer with the milk, and either strain the mixture or use an immersion blender for an even stronger fruity flavor.

How to Store White Hot Chocolate

This white hot chocolate is best served immediately, but you can store leftovers if you have any. Let the drink cool and then transfer it to an airtight bottle or jar. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for another serving.

Can you make white hot chocolate ahead of time?

If you’re wondering how to make white hot chocolate ahead of time or how to make a big batch for a crowd, just transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and keep it warm on low heat until you’re ready to serve. You could also make a large batch ahead of time, store it cooled in the fridge and heat it back up on the stovetop in a saucepan.

White Hot Chocolate Tips

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

How else can you serve white hot chocolate?

While this hot chocolate recipe is delicious on its own, it can also serve as a blank canvas for wonderful garnishes. Try serving it in a mug with a crushed candy cane rim, or add dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Add festive sprinkles on top and serve it with a whole candy cane or a cookie stick. You can also make it boozy by adding a touch of rum, vanilla vodka or a liqueur such as Irish cream. Don’t be afraid to try other creative mix-ins for the best hot chocolate!

How do you thicken white hot chocolate?

Want your hot white chocolate to be a bit creamier or thicker? Heavy cream can be swapped in for the whole milk ahead of prepping a batch. Another option? Stir in a touch of cornstarch or plain Greek yogurt if you need to thicken the mixture once it’s prepped.