Did you know? Originally, cocoa was consumed in Central and South America as a drink. This was the first known use of cocoa. Today, we know how to transform cocoa into chocolate, much to the delight of chocolate lovers. But that doesn’t mean the hot cocoa drink has been forgotten. Hot chocolate is the ultimate comforting beverage. Perfect to enjoy at breakfast or as a snack… especially when the temperatures drop. What’s the best chocolate for hot chocolate? How can you make a delicious homemade hot chocolate? Here are our tips for a delightful winter.
Which cocoa powder is best for a good hot chocolate?
Valrhona Cocoa Powder
Do you prefer to make your hot chocolate with cocoa powder? We recommend Valrhona cocoa powder.
This extra-fine cocoa powder offers intense flavors and is unsweetened, allowing you to add sugar to taste. Its airtight container keeps the cocoa protected from humidity.
Don’t forget to use this product in your other creations! In this article, we share our recipe ideas for using cocoa powder.
What is the best chocolate for a real hot chocolate?
Valrhona Nyangbo 68% Ground Chocolate
A great option for your homemade hot chocolates is Valrhona Nyangbo ground chocolate 68%. Nyangbo 68% is a single-origin dark chocolate from Ghana. This Valrhona chocolate features sweet notes of spices and comes in the form of shavings.
It’s perfect for your chocolate drinks, but you can also use it in other desserts.
Valrhona Baking Chocolate
You can use baking chocolate to make hot chocolate. Simply melt the chocolate pieces and mix them with hot milk, whisking everything together.
Have you decided on one of these options? Now that you’ve chosen your chocolate ingredient, all you need is a recipe!
How to make hot chocolate?
With Valrhona Nyangbo Ground Chocolate 68% and milk
For this first recipe, we suggest using Nyangbo ground chocolate. Depending on your preference, choose either cow’s milk or plant-based milk—both options work perfectly in this hot chocolate recipe.
The extra ingredient? Timut pepper. It adds a spicy kick to your hot drink and awakens the flavors.
Bonus: You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, which can be used as an alternative to the pepper.
With Valrhona chocolate beans
Hot chocolate can be made with various Valrhona dark or milk chocolates.
For example:
If you're a chocolate lover, you can add finishing touch.
- Add whipped cream. You can make your own whipped cream! All you need is heavy cream, some patience, and you're ready to go!
- Add a touch of spices, such as cinnamon.
- Top with small marshmallows for extra indulgence.
Comforting Recipes to Pair with Hot Chocolate
Dark chocolate glazed madeleines
Hot chocolate and madeleines are a match made in heaven. The soft, buttery texture of the madeleine, topped with a rich dark chocolate coating, pairs beautifully with the creamy, velvety warmth of cocoa. Try our recipe for dark chocolate glazed madeleines.
For an extra indulgence, dip the chocolate-coated madeleine into your drink, letting the flavors melt together in perfect harmony. It’s a simple yet luxurious treat, ideal for cozy afternoons or elegant moments.
Dark chocolate vegan tart with chocolate cream and nuts
The tart’s rich, silky dark chocolate filling, complemented by the crunch of toasted nuts, perfectly balances the creamy warmth of hot cocoa. Discover our recipe for dark chocolate tarts with chocolate cream and nuts.
The nuttiness adds texture and depth, enhancing the chocolatey experience with every bite. Together, they create a luxurious treat—ideal for cozy evenings or sharing with loved ones.
Enjoy! We wish you warm moments with your loved ones. For more inspiration, explore our Recipes. And to order the ingredients to bake like a chef, click here. Keep it in mind for your Christmas gifts—especially if you have friends or family who love baking!
