Italian Hot Chocolate (2024)

Published: Sep 13, 2021 · Modified: Oct 4, 2023 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Thick Italian hot chocolate recipe is not like your everyday watery hot chocolate. This is a hot cocoa recipe made Italian style. Rich, creamy and pudding-like drink that you need to try.

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Treat yourself to a cup of Italian hot chocolate (known as Cioccolata Calda) and forget about your ordinary hot chocolate. Rich, thick and decadent hot chocolate mix made with just a few ingredients.

Next time, try this warming bubbly Sahlab.

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❓Why This Recipe Works
📝 Ingredients
🥄 Instructions
💡 Tips
📣 Related Recipes
Chocolate Treats
Italian Hot Chocolate

❓Why This Recipe Works

Rich and so chocolatey.
Simple recipe with everyday ingredients.
Easily doubled or tripled recipe.

Italian hot chocolate is what many call Italian drinkable chocolate is not your everyday hot chocolate. This hot chocolate is made with real chocolate for an ultimate hot chocolate experience.

You will notice that this recipe is simple and requires everyday ingredients with a special emphasis on chocolate. They key to this recipe is to use good quality ingredients.

📝 Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

You can use semisweet chocolate chips, especially if you are gifting it as it makes for a nice look inside the jar.
Use whole milk or skimmed milk it works either ways.
You can use regular granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar, powdered sugar is easier to dissolve though.
Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder.

🥄 Instructions

In a small saucepan add cocoa powder, powdered sugar and corn starch.
Add cold milk and whisk to dissolve corn starch well. Place on medium heat.
Add chocolate and keep stirring until bubbly and thick.

💡 Tips

Use high quality ingredients for best results.
I like using 60% and up to 70% good quality chocolate bar.
To make a 4oz gift jar start by layering cornstarch at the bottom, cocoa powder, powdered sugar then top that with chocolate chips. You can also add some mini marshmallows at the top.

Sahlab is a warm thick pudding like Middle eastern drink popular during winter time. Here is an authentic recipe for Sahlab with ingredients that gives it its characteristic flavors.
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Italian Hot Chocolate

Thick Italian hot chocolate recipe is not like your everyday watery hot chocolate. This is a hot cocoa recipe made Italian style. Rich, creamy and pudding-like drink that you need to try.

4.86 from 21 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 319kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

▢ 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
▢ 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar or to your liking.
▢ 2-3 teaspoons corn starch
▢ 50 gram Dark chocolate (60%) or mini semisweet chocolate chips
▢ 1 ½ cups milk.

Optional:

▢ ¼ cup mini marshmallows or whipped cream

Instructions

In a sauce pan add cocoa powder, sugar and cornstarch then mix.
Pour in cold milk and whisk well to dissolve cornstarch.
Add chopped chocolate and heat it up over low heat while stirring.
Keep stirring until it is bubbly and hot and you have a chocolate thick mixture.
Pour in cups and top with whipped cream or marshmallow if desired.

Notes

Use high quality ingredients for best results.
For extra thick hot chocolate use 3 teaspoons, keep in mind that it thickens as it cools down.
For the chocolate I like using 60% chocolate bar, but you can use any chocolate you like. Semisweet chocolate chips work as well.
You can use whole milk or fat free milk.
To make a 4oz gift jar start by layering cornstarch at the bottom, cocoa powder, powdered sugar then top that with chocolate chips.
You can also add some mini marshmallows at the top.
Some people skip the corn starch for a thinner consistency.
This recipe yields 14oz which is enough for two.

Nutrition

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First published Dec 21, 2012 . Last updated February 15, 2021 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.

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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Mary Beth
December 09, 2023 at 5:28 pm
This looks delicious, I can’t wait to try it!
Reply
mary
December 09, 2023 at 3:11 pm

love chocolate have to try if ican find everything
Reply
Lyn
December 09, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Definitely trying this one for the holidays . It looks delicious
Reply
Sarah
December 09, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Delicious! Love the richness yet, not overwhelming, do yummy!
Reply
Donna S
December 09, 2023 at 1:03 pm
Homemade Hot Chocolate is always better than the powdered stuff
Reply
Teresa
December 09, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Your recipe for 'Basbousa Is what lead me to your site originally. It's still the best. We have something similar to this chocolate in Spain also. Thanks again for the opportunity To win. T.
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:48 am
  You can never have enough versions of hot chocolate right? 🙂 Thanks Teresa.
  See Also
  Fudgy Vegan Brownies
  Reply
Debra A Youngblood
December 09, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Absolutely beautiful & delicious.
I loved the gifting idea…thanks!!
I know exactly who I will be making gifts for.
P.S. I love your recipes. Please keep ‘em coming…Happy Holidays to all
Reply
SUSAN
December 09, 2023 at 11:54 am

Best recipe I've come across for a while now!
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:47 am
  Thanks Susan, I hope you'll try it soon.
  Reply
Caroline Boyle
December 09, 2023 at 11:53 am

Reminds me of my aunt’s Christmas hot cocoa. Such a special treat when we would visit her during holidays.
Thank you for the warm memories.
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:44 am
  Thanks Caroline I love recipes that bring back good old memories.
  Reply
Jackie
December 09, 2023 at 11:52 am
I can't wait to try. I will add a pinch of cinnamon to mine....or made stir with a peppermint stick! I love the gift idea. I am definately doing that. Thank you for the wonderful idea.
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:45 am
  This is such a wonderful idea I especially love the peppermint one. Thanks
  Reply
Lorraine
December 09, 2023 at 11:45 am

Yummy! I feel it should rest about 5 minutes and then be reheated lightly and that gives it the creamiest texture.
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:45 am
  Great idea, thanks Lorraine.
  Reply
Shelly Hammad
December 09, 2023 at 11:44 am

I love this recipe! Very satisfying!
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:46 am
  Awesome, it makes a great gift for chocolate lovers. Thanks Shelly.
  Reply
Adrienne
December 09, 2023 at 11:41 am

This looks so indulgent and delicious! I always add a hint of cinnamon and grated fresh nutmeg to my hot chocolate and would do it here, too! It adds warmth and brings out the chocolate flavor even more! Can't wait to try this!
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:46 am
  Wonderful ideas, doing that in the coming break for the kids. Thanks Adrienne.
  Reply
Paula
December 09, 2023 at 11:37 am

This chocolate cocoa looks like velvet. I want to try this so much!
Reply
- Amira
  December 10, 2023 at 10:47 am
  Oh it is so velvety and rich, I hope you'll try it soon. Thanks Paula.
  Reply
John / Kitchen Riffs
February 17, 2021 at 8:16 am
I haven't had hot chocolate in years. Really craving it now, though, particularly since it's snowing here (again -- we've gotten a lot lately). Good stuff -- thanks.
Reply