Chocolate Hazelnut Hot Cocoa

I still remember the first time I discovered that hot chocolate could be more than just a childhood comfort. It was a crisp November evening, and I'd picked up a jar of chocolate hazelnut spread on a whim at the market. While melting dark chocolate for a simple warm drink, I realized that spreading that creamy hazelnut richness into the pan would transform everything—suddenly, I had something that tasted like the best moment between dessert and comfort, all in a mug.

I made this for my sister last winter when she was going through a rough week. She curled up on the couch with a mug topped high with whipped cream and hazelnuts, and I watched her shoulders finally relax. She asked for the recipe that night, and now it's become her ritual on difficult days—proof that sometimes the simplest things we make in the kitchen carry the most meaning.

Ingredients

• Whole milk (3 cups): The foundation of this drink, creating that classic creamy body. Whole milk matters here because the fat carries the hazelnut and chocolate flavors beautifully, making each sip feel luxurious
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): This is your secret to that café-quality richness. It elevates the whole chocolate experience and gives it a silky texture that stays with you
• Dark chocolate, chopped (100 g, at least 60% cocoa): Choose a chocolate you actually enjoy eating—this is the foundation of flavor. The cocoa percentage matters; too low and it's cloying, too high and it can overwhelm the hazelnut
• Chocolate hazelnut spread (4 tbsp): This is where the magic happens. The creaminess and toasted hazelnut notes come directly from here, so don't skip it or substitute with anything else if you can help it
• Granulated sugar (2 tbsp, optional): Adjust based on your spread choice and personal preference. Taste as you go rather than adding it all at once
• Whipped cream (for topping): A cloud of this on top transforms the drink from good to something you'll crave
• Chopped toasted hazelnuts (for garnish): The textural moment—adds crunch and reminds you why this drink is special
• Chocolate shavings (for garnish): A beautiful finish that makes people think you spent far more time than you actually did

Instructions

Start with warmth:

Pour the milk and heavy cream into your saucepan and set it over medium heat. You're looking for that moment when wisps of steam rise and the edges begin to shimmer, but before any bubbles break the surface. This gentle heating is key—rushing it can cause the milk to scald and taste bitter

Invite the chocolate in:

Add your chopped dark chocolate and the hazelnut spread to the warm milk. Take a moment here and really whisk—you want to see all those dark specks melt into silky ribbons, and the spread to completely dissolve into the milk. This is where patience pays off; a few extra seconds of whisking ensures no grainy texture

Taste and adjust:

This is the moment to add sugar if you need it. Sprinkle it in slowly while whisking, tasting as you go. Everyone's preference is different, and there's no point oversweetening something that's already this rich

Coax out the creaminess:

Keep the heat on medium and stir frequently for the next couple of minutes. You're not trying to boil it; you're letting the flavors deepen and the texture become truly creamy and luxurious. Listen for the gentle movement of the spoon, watch how the color deepens

Serve with ceremony:

Pour into your favorite mugs and immediately top with whipped cream, a scatter of toasted hazelnuts, and chocolate shavings. The contrast between hot and cold, creamy and crunchy, is what makes this moment memorable

Save

What started as a simple drink has become my answer to almost any moment that needs softening—a quiet morning, a friend in need, the last hour before bed. There's something about the ritual of making it, the way the kitchen smells, that reminds me why I love to cook at all.

Making It Your Own

This recipe is genuinely flexible, and that's part of its charm. I've made it with oat milk for friends who are dairy-free, and the creaminess remains just as satisfying. I've experimented with different hazelnut spreads from specialty shops, and each one brings slightly different notes. The beauty is that once you understand the proportions and technique, you can play with the canvas you've created.

Seasonality and Timing

While this drink is most at home in autumn and winter, I've found myself making it year-round when the mood strikes. There's something about hazelnut and dark chocolate that transcends seasons—they're flavors that feel both celebratory and deeply comforting no matter when they arrive in your kitchen.

Variations Worth Trying

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, small additions can create entirely new experiences. A splash of hazelnut liqueur transforms it into an elegant after-dinner drink for adults. A pinch of cinnamon or a whisper of vanilla can enhance the flavors without overwhelming them. Even experimenting with different chocolate percentages teaches you about your own preferences.

• Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur for an adult twist, or try a hint of vanilla extract for extra warmth
• Dust the top with cocoa powder or a small pinch of sea salt to deepen the chocolate flavor
• Make it ahead in a thermos and reheat gently when you're ready—it's perfect for cozy gatherings

Save

This hot chocolate isn't just a drink—it's a small ritual that says you're worth taking time for. Make it for yourself on ordinary Tuesday afternoons, and watch how it shifts your whole mood.

Your Questions Answered

→ What type of chocolate is best for this drink?

Using dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content provides a rich, balanced flavor that melts smoothly into the creamy base.

→ Can I make this beverage dairy-free?

Yes, substituting whole milk and cream with oat or almond milk and using a plant-based chocolate hazelnut spread creates a delicious dairy-free version.

→ How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture?

Gently heating the milk and cream without boiling and whisking continuously ensures a smooth, velvety consistency without curdling.

→ What garnishes complement this drink well?

Whipped cream, chopped toasted hazelnuts, and chocolate shavings add texture and enhance the nutty, chocolate flavors.

→ Is it possible to adjust the sweetness?

Sugar can be added to taste during preparation, allowing control over the sweetness level to suit personal preferences.