Rich and creamy hot chocolate with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, this is the best hot cocoa you could wish for! The best part is, you probably already have all the ingredients!

Lights twinkling all around, crisp air, people bundled in warm clothing– December is one of my favorite months!

Just as s’ mores are to summer, hot cocoa is to winter.

As a kid, I would often make myself my own hot cocoa from one of the little packages. I would experiment with these, using milk or water, then adding multiple packets or ingredients into my cup. As I grew older, I realized hot cocoa doesn’t need to come from a paper envelope you buy at the store.

My taste for this steaming beverage has changed over the years, but I’ve settled on a thickish consistency, a milk-based beverage made with real chocolate. It’s even better if you have a hot cocoa bar or gather your neighbors together and serve it at a neighborhood holiday walk. While this cocoa does take a bit more effort than pouring a mixture into a mug of hot water, the taste will be worth it and will soon become a holiday tradition.

This isn’t your usual dump and go cocoa recipe. First, we’re going to make the chocolate mixture. In a pot, place your cocoa powder, sugar, and water and cook over medium heat. With a whisk, mix until combined and a chocolate paste is created.

Mix it well!

Now that you have your chocolate mix, add a cinnamon stick and cook for two minutes. Look at all that chocolatey goodness!

Add the milk into the chocolate mixture slowly. Stir together and then add your cream for an extra rich hot chocolate. Bring to a simmer and then remove from heat.

Finally, add in your vanilla and stir to combine. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve.

Your guests will love you and will forever be changed by having tasted real, from scratch hot cocoa! To keep your cocoa warm, keep it in a slow cooker or Instantpot. This will also allow you to take it to an event if needed.